SOURCE: AFI
A sight to behold, the Airbus Beluga, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, touched down at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024.
The Airbus A300-608ST Beluga, with the callsign ‘BCO4003,’ arrived in Hyderabad at 12:23 AM following its departure from Muscat International Airport at 7:27 PM (local time). The aircraft’s journey began on August 27, taking off from Toulouse, France, and making stops in Marseille, France, Cairo, Egypt, and Muscat, Oman.
Known affectionately as the “Whale of the Sky,” the Beluga is a unique aircraft designed to transport oversized cargo, including aircraft wings and fuselages. Its distinctive bulbous nose, reminiscent of a whale, allows for the loading and unloading of large components through a wide, open hatch.
The Beluga’s arrival in Hyderabad marks a significant milestone for the city’s aviation infrastructure. It is a testament to the airport’s capabilities and its ability to handle even the most extraordinary aircraft. As India’s aviation sector continues to grow, Hyderabad’s RGIA is poised to play a crucial role in connecting the country to the world.