The Airbus Beluga, renowned as the world’s largest cargo plane, made its third visit to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) early Friday morning. The aircraft, which touched down at 12:17 am, was in Hyderabad for refuelling and crew rest as it continues its journey from Muscat International Airport to Thailand.
This marks the Beluga’s third stop in Hyderabad, following previous visits in December 2022 and August 2023. The Airbus A300-608ST, commonly known as the Beluga due to its whale-like appearance, is a distinctive fixture in the aviation world. Measuring 56 metres in length and boasting a wingspan of 44.84 metres, the Beluga is engineered to transport oversized cargo that standard cargo planes cannot accommodate. With its bulbous cargo hold stretching 7.1 metres in diameter, the Beluga can carry up to 47 tonnes of substantial goods, including aircraft components, satellites, and large machinery. This visit to Hyderabad underscores the city’s importance as a strategic hub for international logistics.
The Beluga’s unique design and its capacity to handle massive loads make it an extraordinary asset in global air transport. The aircraft’s operational stops in Hyderabad reflect the city’s growing role in the global logistics network. As the Beluga resumes its journey to Pattaya Airport, its regular appearances at RGIA highlight Hyderabad’s connectivity and significance in the logistics and transportation sector, further solidifying its reputation on the international stage.
