Featuring one of the most voluminous cargo holds of any civil or military aircraft flying today, the Airbus BelugaST offers a unique way to transport oversized air cargo. Also known as the A300-600ST Super Transporter, the Airbus-operated Belugas have played a key role in keeping the Airbus production and assembly network operating at full capacity. Today, they are available for freight companies and other potential customers as a unique solution to meet outsized freight transportation needs.
Offered as the Airbus Beluga Transport commercial service, these aircraft will provide customers with large cargo transport solutions for a variety of sectors, including space, energy, military, aeronautics, maritime and humanitarian sectors.
The BelugaSTs have been operating for Airbus’ own industrial airlift needs since the mid-1990s, and are progressively being replaced by a fleet of six new-generation BelugaXL versions.
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Speed and efficiency
The BelugaST’s semi-automated main deck cargo loading system ensures easy and efficient handling of payloads.
To maximise the BelugaST’s turnaround capability in commercial service, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed – including an automated On-Board Cargo Loader (OBCL) for missions where a loading/unloading platform is not available at the origin or destination airport.
![Beluga in Finkenwerder Beluga in Finkenwerder](/sites/g/files/jlcbta126/files/styles/airbus_480x480/public/2021-10/BELUGA%20IN%20FINKENWERDER.jpg?itok=EVqPikmB)
Flight deck
The BelugaST retains the same flight deck that is in worldwide operation on Airbus A300-600s and A310s.
Included in the cockpit are controls for a transportable heating module that can be installed in the main deck cargo compartment. This module provides temperature-controlled conditions for sensitive payloads carried by the BelugaST, including satellites – and even paintings.