By Owen Hughes

Copyright dailypost

One of Airbus’s iconic Beluga super-transporters (ST) flew its last mission this month as the countdown is on for the fleet’s retirement.

The gigantic and highly distinctive Beluga ST first entered service in 1995 to transport parts between Airbus’s various production sites, including Broughton in North Wales.

There were five aircraft built in total and for more than 20 years they were the backbone of the company’s logistics operation.

But the Beluga XL arrived on the scene in 2019 – initially working in conjunction with their older brothers on the Airbus network.

But the STs have gradually been removed from service with Airbus. The aerospace giant did launch an outsized cargo transport business with the planes but this was scrapped in January due to economic factors and operational challenges. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Now the iconic planes are being put into retirement. The latest to go was Beluga ST No. 4 with a farewell flight that took off and landed at Toulouse airport.

But there are plans for a new home – which Airbus will announce in the near future. It also gave a timeline for the retirement of three remaining STs.

They said: “This week, one of our beloved BelugaSTs created quite a buzz as it flew its final mission after 20+ years of service! Fans will be happy to hear that a new home and purpose awaitts. Stay tuned for updates!”

They added: “With six BelugaXLs covering our transport needs, the BelugaSTs are slowly flying into retirement. BelugaST 4 had its final flight on Sept 17, 2025.

“One more flies until until the end of the year and two until mid-2027. Stay tuned for what’s next.”

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