Latest news with #BelugaXL
Leader Live
30-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Airbus Broughton site make freighter aircraft wingset
The wings for the A350F have been designed similarly to the A350, so can be built in the same line, allowing for operational and industrial benefits and improvements. Engineered as the world's most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market. Similar to the A350 widebody passenger aircraft, the wings incorporate the latest composite material technology, reducing weight and increasing aerodynamic efficiency. Read more: Village pub's new owner ready to serve 'warm welcome' to community Airbus is building two A350F test aircraft which will undergo flight tests throughout 2026 and 2027. The wings will soon be transported via Airbus' iconic freighter, the BelugaXL, from Broughton to Bremen for final equipping before being sent to Toulouse to be joined to the fuselage of the first test aircraft. Head of Widebody Wings at Airbus Broughton, Paul Kilmister, said: "This is a proud moment for everyone at Broughton, completing the first ever A350F wingset. With almost 1,400 orders for the A350, including 63 A350F, Broughton will continue to play a critical role in the future of the programme, supporting Airbus' growth in passenger and freight markets. Read more: North Wales firm launches paid internship scheme with over 50 jobs up for grabs "The A350F is poised to shape the future of air freight, offering operators a more efficient, and versatile solution for decades to come." The new A350F sets a new benchmark in air cargo offering: • Improved efficiency: At least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to current in-service freighters • Better loading capacity: The industry's largest cargo door with a 4.3-meter wide opening - making loading easier, faster and safer for ground operations teams • Flying further: A range of up to 8,700 km with up to 111-ton payload. Airbus Broughton has a rich heritage of wing manufacturing, producing wing structures for Airbus aircraft for over 50 years.
North Wales Chronicle
28-04-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Lancaster bomber returning to Hawarden Airport for anniversary
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster (PA474) rolled off the production line at Vickers Armstrong's Broughton (now Airbus) factory on May 31, 1945, one of a contract for 500 aircraft of which only 235 were delivered when production was cancelled in September 1945. PA474 was built modified for Far East use in preparation for proposed bombing of Japan but with the end of the war she went directly into storage. Her later career included photographic reconnaissance, a trials aircraft and appearances in a number of feature films including 'Operation Crossbow' and 'The Guns of Navarone.' She joined the BBMF in 1973. BBMF Lancaster PA474 above the clouds. (Image: Darren Harbar) To celebrate PA474's 80th anniversary, on May 30, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crew will fly their Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Hurricane to Airbus Broughton where they will be joined by an Airbus Beluga. This is the first time the Lancaster has landed back at Broughton since it was built in 1945. It will do a flyover at approximately 4.45pm and then park up at Broughton for the afternoon festivities at shortly after 5pm. The Lancaster will be photographed alongside Airbus' Beluga XL. The Beluga XL (Image: Airbus) The Lancaster bomber was one of the most successful and iconic aircraft of World War II, playing a pivotal role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign. Designed by Roy Chadwick and produced by Avro, the Lancaster was an evolution of the Avro Manchester, overcoming its predecessor's shortcomings with a more reliable four-engine configuration. Its success stemmed from several key factors, including its exceptional payload capacity, adaptability, durability, and the strategic role it played in the war. Hundreds of Lancasters were built at what is now the Broughton factory during the Second World War. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world of the 7,377 that were built. Jeremy Greaves, head of UK Heritage at Airbus, said: 'It's the most famous flying aircraft to have ever come out of Broughton. Everyone is really excited about this. 'What we thought we'd do is a photo with the most famous heritage aircraft alongside our newest, and most iconic aircraft – the Beluga XL. There will probably never be a photo like that ever again. 'The Lancaster will then displayed more prominently at the Broughton Aviation Park, by the Chocks Away Diner. 'This is going to be one of the most significant visits to Broughton by an aircraft in its entire history.'
Rhyl Journal
28-04-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Lancaster bomber returning to Hawarden Airport for anniversary
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster (PA474) rolled off the production line at Vickers Armstrong's Broughton (now Airbus) factory on May 31, 1945, one of a contract for 500 aircraft of which only 235 were delivered when production was cancelled in September 1945. PA474 was built modified for Far East use in preparation for proposed bombing of Japan but with the end of the war she went directly into storage. Her later career included photographic reconnaissance, a trials aircraft and appearances in a number of feature films including 'Operation Crossbow' and 'The Guns of Navarone.' She joined the BBMF in 1973. BBMF Lancaster PA474 above the clouds. (Image: Darren Harbar) To celebrate PA474's 80th anniversary, on May 30, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crew will fly their Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Hurricane to Airbus Broughton where they will be joined by an Airbus Beluga. This is the first time the Lancaster has landed back at Broughton since it was built in 1945. It will do a flyover at approximately 4.45pm and then park up at Broughton for the afternoon festivities at shortly after 5pm. The Lancaster will be photographed alongside Airbus' Beluga XL. The Beluga XL (Image: Airbus) The Lancaster bomber was one of the most successful and iconic aircraft of World War II, playing a pivotal role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign. Designed by Roy Chadwick and produced by Avro, the Lancaster was an evolution of the Avro Manchester, overcoming its predecessor's shortcomings with a more reliable four-engine configuration. Its success stemmed from several key factors, including its exceptional payload capacity, adaptability, durability, and the strategic role it played in the war. Hundreds of Lancasters were built at what is now the Broughton factory during the Second World War. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world of the 7,377 that were built. Jeremy Greaves, head of UK Heritage at Airbus, said: 'It's the most famous flying aircraft to have ever come out of Broughton. Everyone is really excited about this. 'What we thought we'd do is a photo with the most famous heritage aircraft alongside our newest, and most iconic aircraft – the Beluga XL. There will probably never be a photo like that ever again. 'The Lancaster will then displayed more prominently at the Broughton Aviation Park, by the Chocks Away Diner. 'This is going to be one of the most significant visits to Broughton by an aircraft in its entire history.'
Leader Live
28-04-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Lancaster bomber returning to Hawarden Airport for anniversary
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster (PA474) rolled off the production line at Vickers Armstrong's Broughton (now Airbus) factory on May 31, 1945, one of a contract for 500 aircraft of which only 235 were delivered when production was cancelled in September 1945. PA474 was built modified for Far East use in preparation for proposed bombing of Japan but with the end of the war she went directly into storage. Her later career included photographic reconnaissance, a trials aircraft and appearances in a number of feature films including 'Operation Crossbow' and 'The Guns of Navarone.' She joined the BBMF in 1973. BBMF Lancaster PA474 above the clouds. (Image: Darren Harbar) To celebrate PA474's 80th anniversary, on May 30, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crew will fly their Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Hurricane to Airbus Broughton where they will be joined by an Airbus Beluga. This is the first time the Lancaster has landed back at Broughton since it was built in 1945. It will do a flyover at approximately 4.45pm and then park up at Broughton for the afternoon festivities at shortly after 5pm. The Lancaster will be photographed alongside Airbus' Beluga XL. The Beluga XL (Image: Airbus) The Lancaster bomber was one of the most successful and iconic aircraft of World War II, playing a pivotal role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign. Designed by Roy Chadwick and produced by Avro, the Lancaster was an evolution of the Avro Manchester, overcoming its predecessor's shortcomings with a more reliable four-engine configuration. Its success stemmed from several key factors, including its exceptional payload capacity, adaptability, durability, and the strategic role it played in the war. Hundreds of Lancasters were built at what is now the Broughton factory during the Second World War. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world of the 7,377 that were built. MORE NEWS: Jeremy Greaves, head of UK Heritage at Airbus, said: 'It's the most famous flying aircraft to have ever come out of Broughton. Everyone is really excited about this. 'What we thought we'd do is a photo with the most famous heritage aircraft alongside our newest, and most iconic aircraft – the Beluga XL. There will probably never be a photo like that ever again. 'The Lancaster will then displayed more prominently at the Broughton Aviation Park, by the Chocks Away Diner. 'This is going to be one of the most significant visits to Broughton by an aircraft in its entire history.'
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Yahoo
Unique smiley Airbus Beluga XL plane spotted flying over West Midlands
PLANE spotters in the West Midlands were treated this week as a giant Airbus Beluga XL plane was spotted in the region's skies. The whale-like aircraft was forced to divert to Birmingham Airport on Wednesday (January 22) when fog meant it could not land safely at its intended destination in North Wales. The unique plane is a favourite among aviation enthusiasts (Image: Ethan's Photography 82) Aptly named after their likeness to the beluga whale, the giant aircraft got many plane enthusiasts across the region excited during its brief impromptu stop at BHX. The airport themselves took to social media to share a few snaps of the smiley plane on its runway, saying it was 'happy to help' after the diversion. Airbus' Beluga XL planes are cargo planes designed to transport large aircraft parts across Europe, however, they have become a favourite among plane spotters for their unique appearance. The Beluga XL (A330-743L) was flying from Hamburg, Germany to Airbus Broughton in Flintshire on Wednesday but was forced to abort landing in North Wales due to the weather, it was reported.
