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For the first time, the Kolkata Airport witnessed the arrival of the giant Airbus Beluga XL aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its aviation history. This event took place on a Tuesday night, directly following its journey from Bahrain International Airport, and it was a sight to behold. The Beluga XL, known for its massive size and capacity, is an advancement over its predecessor, the Beluga ST, enhancing the ability to transport oversized cargo, including aircraft parts like wings and fuselages. This arrival not only signifies the airport's capability to accommodate such large aircraft but also underscores its strategic importance in Eastern India for aviation logistics.
Upon its arrival at 10.43 pm, the Beluga XL was greeted with a ceremonial water salute, a tradition that honors the significance of its first landing at the Kolkata Airport. This aircraft, primarily designed to ferry aircraft components between factories and assembly lines, is pivotal for Airbus' production network. The Airports Authority of India spokesperson highlighted this event as a momentous occasion, given that it was the XL variant's first landing in Kolkata, following the previous accommodations of the ST series. The ability to host the Beluga XL underscores the airport's readiness and infrastructure capability to manage such large-scale aviation demands.
The Beluga XL embarked on its journey from the Airbus Factory in Toulouse (LFBO/TLS), tasked with transporting essential equipment and parts to a unit based in Tianjin (ZBTJ), China. The stopover in Kolkata was strategic, allowing for crew rest, adherence to crew flight duty time limitations (FDTL), and refueling. This underscores the airport's unique position as the only facility in Eastern India equipped to handle the aircraft's specific requirements. The spokesperson from the Airports Authority of India emphasized the significance of this event, noting its role in facilitating essential logistics for Airbus' operations.
The Beluga XL, officially known as the Airbus A330-743L, represents a pinnacle in Airbus' engineering, designed to meet the logistical challenges of transporting outsized cargo. Its presence at the Kolkata Airport not only highlights the airport's operational capabilities but also its strategic importance in the aviation industry. With the aircraft set to be refueled before its next departure, this event has undoubtedly marked a new chapter in the airport's history, reinforcing its role in global aviation logistics.
A Milestone for Kolkata Airport
Kolkata's NSCBI Airport shared on X, expressing pride in welcoming the Airbus Beluga XL for the first time. This event was particularly significant as the flight made a stop in Kolkata for several crucial reasons, including crew rest, adherence to FDTL, and a necessary fuel stop. This choice of Kolkata as a stopover points to the airport's unique capability within Eastern India to support such significant aviation requirements. The airport's post highlighted the importance of this event, not just for the airport but for the larger aviation community, showcasing the airport's readiness to play a pivotal role in global aviation logistics.
Key Features of Biggest Aircraft Beluga XL
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 56.16 m |
| Height | 17.25 m |
| Wing span | 44.84 m |
| Fuselage width | 7.7 m |
| Loadable volume length | 39.1 m |
| Loadable cross-section max height | 7.1 m |
| Loadable cross-section max width | 7.1 m |
| Max payload | 40 tonnes |
| Max range | 1,650 km |
| Max take-off weight | 155 tonnes |
| Max landing weight | 140 tonnes |
| Max zero fuel weight | 133.8 tonnes |
| Max fuel capacity (density = 0.803) | 23,860 litres |
In conclusion, the arrival of the Airbus Beluga XL at Kolkata Airport not only marks a significant event in the airport's history but also signifies its importance in the global aviation logistics network. By accommodating the largest aircraft in the Beluga series, the airport has demonstrated its capability and readiness to support large-scale aviation operations. This event paves the way for future opportunities, positioning Kolkata Airport as a key player in the aviation industry, especially in Eastern India.
