But they have been phased out in recent years by the arrival of the Beluga XL fleet. This aircraft made its maiden flight on 19 July 2018 and entered service with Airbus Transport on 9 January 2020.

PLANE spotters in the West Midlands were treated this week as a giant Airbus Beluga XL plane was spotted in the region’s skies. The whale-like aircraft was forced to divert to Birmingham Airport on ...