Airbus Beluga XL Makes Landmark Stop at Kolkata

The giant Beluga XL, the world's largest cargo plane, landed at Kolkata airport for the first time, making a pit stop for crew rest and refueling. The aircraft, part of the Airbus series, loaded with A321 components, highlighted Kolkata as the only suitable airport in Eastern India for such missions.

Kolkata's NSCBI Airport marked a milestone as the world's largest cargo plane, the Airbus Beluga XL, touched down for the first time, an official confirmed. This original sighting on Tuesday highlighted the airport's unique capability to handle such gargantuan aircraft in Eastern India.

The Airbus Beluga XL, which flew in carrying crucial components for the A321 aircraft, took off from Bahrain International Airport. With a stopover planned for crew rest and refueling, the XL departed for Tianjin, China, showcasing Kolkata's strategic importance in the aviation logistics pathway.

Airbus spokespersons noted the significance of this visit, pointing to future missions. Local authorities and Airbus expressed mutual satisfaction with the excellent support extended, including water salutes and coordinated logistics, as they anticipate the Beluga XL's return for additional missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)