What is next for Airbus after the last Beluga A300-600ST retires?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Airbus retired the final A300-600ST Beluga Super Transporter on January 29, 2026, fully transitioning to the larger A330-based BelugaXL fleet.
Key Takeaways
- •The last of five Airbus Beluga A300-600ST aircraft was officially retired on January 29, 2026, ending nearly 30 years of service.
- •The successor, the A330-based BelugaXL, offers approximately 30% more payload capacity, supporting the acceleration of Airbus production.
- •The retired aircraft will be preserved, with one planned for use as a STEM educational facility at the Broughton wing plant.
The era of the original Airbus Beluga A300-600ST has officially ended.
Airbus confirmed the retirement of the last of its five A300-600ST Beluga Super Transporter aircraft. The final operational flight took place on January 29, 2026. This event closes a nearly three-decade chapter in aerospace logistics.
A Legacy of Outsize Cargo Operations
The A300-600ST, affectionately known as the Beluga, entered service in 1996. It was developed from the standard Airbus A300-600 wide-body airliner. Its primary mission was transporting oversized aircraft parts between production sites. These parts included wings and fuselage sections for various Airbus programs. The unique bulbous shape allowed for carrying bulky, though not necessarily heavy, components. The aircraft had a maximum payload capacity of 47 metric tonnes.
The five-aircraft fleet was essential to the company's pan-European manufacturing process. The retirement of the last aircraft, F-GSTF, marks a major milestone. This final Beluga was the youngest, completing 25 years of service.
Transition to the BelugaXL Fleet
The retirement is part of a planned transition to the new BelugaXL cargo aircraft. The successor is based on the Airbus A330 platform. The new A330-700ST model offers significant improvements in capacity. It provides approximately 30% more payload volume than the original Beluga.
The BelugaXL fleet consists of six aircraft. The final BelugaXL entered service in June 2024. This completed the new generation fleet for Airbus Transport International (ATI). The full phaseout of the original Beluga fleet is expected to be complete by 2027.
Operational and Commercial Impact
The shift to the larger BelugaXL supports Airbus's industrial capabilities. It is crucial for accelerating the production ramp-up of new aircraft programs. The increased capacity is especially vital for transporting components for the A350 XWB.
- Opportunity: The larger capacity allows for more efficient transport of larger components. This streamlines the aerospace manufacturing supply chain.
- Challenge: The original Belugas were briefly commercialized through Airbus Beluga Transport. This venture was terminated in early 2025.
Future of the Retired Fleet
Airbus has launched a "re-homing" project for the five retired Beluga Super Transporter aircraft. The last retired aircraft was flown to Chester Hawarden Airport (CEG) in Flintshire. This site is home to the Airbus wing manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom.
Airbus plans to repurpose the retired aircraft for preservation and education. One Beluga is scheduled to become a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) facility. Others are expected to be relocated to museums or other Airbus plants globally.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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