Airbus Beluga transporter celebrates 20th anniversary
Airbus Beluga cargo aircraft celebrated the 20th anniversary of its maiden flight Sept. 13. Affectionately named after the white whale because of its remarkable shape, it transports Airbus component parts between its European manufacturing sites. Since 1995, its fleet of five Beluga aircraft replaced the aging Super Guppy Transporters to supply Airbus FALs in Toulouse and Hamburg. Today, more than 60 flights are operated each week between 11 sites. Courtesy, Airbus