An Adorably Designed Oversized Airbus Cargo Plane That Looks Like a Smiling Cartoon Beluga Whale

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Airbus has introduced into their enormous fleet an adorably designed cargo plane that looks like a cartoon Beluga whale that delivers a smile to the friendly skies. First conceived in 2014, the Beluga XL oversized air transporter made its maiden voyage on July 19, 2018, taking off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Upon landing, a proud crew stood upon the open “nose” deck and waved to the adoring crowd.

Besides bringing an XL smile to the skies, it marks a crucial step in our journey to increase our production and shape the future of global air travel demand.

Beluga XL Nose Deck

Beluga XL Airbus Cargo Plane

BelugaXL-Infographic

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The first BelugaXL took off this morning (July 19) from Blagnac in Toulouse, France at 10:30 hrs local time, for its maiden flight over south-western France. The aircraft is the first of five BelugaXL to enter into service later in 2019 and to gradually replace the BelugaST transporters.

A post shared by Airbus (@airbus) on

A post shared by Airbus (@airbus) on

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.