Airbus launches new Beluga freighter program

The five planes, which are used for oversized cargo, will be delivered in 2019.    Airbus will develop and produce five updated Beluga freighters, which are used to transport large aircraft components, to replace and enhance the existing fleet of five aircraft.
   According to a press announcement, the new planes, which are based on the A330, will be delivered in 2019. The older Belugas are based on the A300, and they will be phased out by 2025.  
   The Beluga aircraft are operated by Airbus Transport International to move “components as fuselage sections, wings and tails for Airbus’ single-aisle A320 and widebody A330 Families, along with elements for the next-generation A350 XWB jetliner,” according to Airbus.
   ATI also charters out Belugas to third parties.