Airbus BelugaXL Makes Rare Heathrow Stop to Deliver Critical A350 Parts for British Airways

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 10, 2024 02:30 AMNews
Share:
The very rare Airbus A330-743L Beluga fly
The very rare Airbus A330-743L Beluga fly. Source: unsplash

An Airbus BelugaXL made a rare appearance at London Heathrow Airport to deliver spare parts for a British Airways Airbus A350 that had been damaged in a previous collision. The BelugaXL flew from Toulouse, France, to Heathrow to assist in returning the grounded A350 back to commercial service.

Airbus BelugaXL’s Rescue Mission

Flight data from Flightradar24 revealed that the BelugaXL was scheduled to depart Toulouse, a major Airbus hub, at 10:00 local time, with its return to France expected later in the day. The need for the oversized cargo aircraft arose after a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 clipped the British Airways A350’s horizontal stabilizer at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 earlier this year, grounding the A350 due to significant damage.

The A350, registered as G-XWBC and only 4.8 years old, has been awaiting repair since the incident. While the Virgin 787 sustained minimal damage and was back in service by June, the A350 has required specialized parts, now delivered by the BelugaXL.

The Role of the BelugaXL

The Airbus BelugaXL, based on the A330-200F, is designed to transport large aircraft components and outsized cargo. With its ability to carry items that regular cargo aircraft cannot, the BelugaXL has become a key asset for Airbus. The aircraft entered service in 2020 and has since replaced the older BelugaST fleet. Its delivery mission to Heathrow demonstrates the critical role it plays in supporting Airbus fleets worldwide.

The BelugaXL’s mission underscores its importance in the aviation industry, facilitating repairs and keeping airlines operational by swiftly delivering crucial aircraft components.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Commercial airplane taking off under a bright sky

Blue Islands adds more flights from Norwich to the Channel Islands for summer 2026

Oct 21, 2025 00:39 AM
Person using a megaphone during a public protest in Italy

Nationwide Rail Strike Set to Disrupt Travel Across Italy

Oct 20, 2025 23:56 PM

Air Montenegro Adds Low-Fare Routes for Winter Travel Across Europe

Oct 20, 2025 23:42 PM

Waldorf Astoria New York Opens New Wellness Hub Focused on Health and Recovery

Oct 20, 2025 23:28 PM
Traveler checking flight departures

Frankfurt Airport Confirms Winter Flight Changes for the 2025/26 Season

Oct 20, 2025 22:55 PM
China Eastern Airlines aircraft taxiing on the runway before departure at a major Chinese airport

Severe Weather Warning: Typhoon Fengshen to Impact Southern China Travel

Oct 19, 2025 23:58 PM
Colorful light fountains illuminating Liverpool’s waterfront at night during the River of Light festival

Art and Technology Illuminate Liverpool in Late October

Oct 19, 2025 17:46 PM
Minimalist hotel bedroom with soft lighting and neutral tones

Waldorf Astoria Opens in Helsinki, Expanding the Nordic Travel Landscape

Oct 18, 2025 21:33 PM
Construction machinery working on railway tracks during maintenance near a passenger train

Rome–Fiumicino Airport Trains Disrupted by Weekend Maintenance Work

Oct 18, 2025 20:27 PM

United Airlines to Launch Direct Bari–New York Flights in May 2026

Oct 18, 2025 02:44 AM

Severe Storm to Batter Poland’s Baltic Coast, Travelers Urged to Stay Alert

Oct 18, 2025 01:31 AM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy skies

Emirates A350 Brings Wider Travel Options from Oslo

Oct 17, 2025 23:25 PM
Softly lit hotel bed with tufted headboard and night lamp

Arizona’s Paradise Valley Prepares for New Desert Retreat

Oct 17, 2025 21:42 PM
Aircraft approaching for landing under a blue sky

Air Montenegro Expands Autumn Travel Options Across Europe

Oct 17, 2025 20:38 PM
Brightly lit winter fairground with carousel and festive lights at night

England Unveils a New Kind of Winter: Culture, Light, and Local Stories

Oct 17, 2025 19:56 PM

Austrian Airlines Adds Nearly 100 Extra Flights for Autumn Getaways

Oct 17, 2025 02:43 AM

Rising Wildfires Redefine When and Where It’s Safe to Explore

Oct 17, 2025 01:39 AM
China Eastern Airlines aircraft preparing for take-off

China Eastern Airlines to Resume Nanjing–Paris Flights in October 2025

Oct 16, 2025 23:23 PM
People waiting to board a public bus at sunset

Bus and Ferry Connections Streamlined Ahead of Arran Food Festival

Oct 16, 2025 19:49 PM
Small dog sitting inside a travel bag on public transport

Australia Tests Allowing Pets to Fly in the Cabin for the First Time

Oct 16, 2025 18:36 PM
Universal Studios globe monument at a theme park entrance

Universal Expands into Texas with Child-Centered Theme Park Project

Oct 16, 2025 17:22 PM
Condor aircraft on the runway before departure from Zurich Airport

Condor Expands Winter Flight Schedule 2025/26 from Zurich

Oct 16, 2025 03:48 AM

Jet2 Opens the Door to Summer 2027 Travel Plans

Oct 16, 2025 02:35 AM

New International Hotel Signals Sunshine Coast Tourism Comeback

Oct 15, 2025 21:28 PM
easyJet aircraft preparing for departure at a UK airport

UK Travelers to Gain Four New easyJet Routes in 2026

Oct 15, 2025 20:32 PM
Cozy modern hotel room with wooden accents and soft lighting

Sydney’s Bayside Gains New Boutique Stay in Brighton Le Sands

Oct 15, 2025 19:45 PM