THIS is the Airbus Beluga – the “world’s most bizarre plane” that’s able to carry a whopping 40 tonnes of the most precious cargo.
The Beluga, cleverly named after the whale it resembles, flew into London’s Heathrow on Monday and drew a lot of attention.
The mega-plane was carrying parts from a British Airways plane on Monday that’s been grounded since another plane collided with it in April.
Witnesses said the Virgin jet was being pushed back by a tug when its wing clipped the BA plane’s tail.
No one was on board the Virgin plane, a spokesperson confirmed at the time.
The Virgin 787 jet had just landed and was being towed to a different part of the airport.
The massive Airbus Beluga was delivering spare parts to repair the damaged plane and reportedly returned to Toulouse, France, the same day.
The mega-plane is the most voluminous cargo of any civil or military aircraft with its bulging fuselage.
It is able to carry an impressive 40 tonnes of air cargo and has a key role in keeping the Airbus production and assembly network operating in full capacity.
The Beluga is able to provide large cargo transport solutions whether it be regarding energy, military, aeronautics or humanitarian.
It is measured at an unbelievable 56 metres, with a wingspan of nearly 45 metres.
Cargo is loaded via the front of the plane which is semi-automated and ensures easy handing of some of the world’s most precious cargo.
The aircraft is even temperature-controlled for sensitive payloads like satellites and even priceless paintings, Aircraft Airbus reports.
It comes after a major airline is investing in the incredible “plane of the future” that has a single wing and looks to have the aircraft up and running by 2030.
US carrier Alaska Airlines has announced it’s investment into aviation company JetZero that’s developing the revolutionary airliner that received FAA approval a few months ago.
Alaska are the first commercial operator to make the bold futuristic move.
Now more airlines are considering purchase options as well for the innovative design, reports claim.
The next-generation aircraft is said to achieve 50 per cent less fuel burn and carbon emissions while offering a dramatic cabin layout with theatre-like seats.
Alaska appears to be a leader in exploring low carbon emission travel options as in 2021 they invested in hydrogen-electric company ZeroAvia.
Upon announcing the collaboration between the plane giant and JetZero, Alaska’s spokesperson said: “We are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel.
“We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency.
“We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation, and we are excited to partner with them in creating that future.”
The development is the “blended wing body” design that dates back several decades.
