The fifth of five Airbus A300-600ST ‘Beluga’ transports has flown into retirement at Airbus’ Broughton facility in North Wales, where it will be used to promote STEM to schools and community groups. #A350FF pic.twitter.com/pNSxPdgL2R — Airbus (@Airbus) November 21, 2016Only two years after construction began, the first Beluga lifted off on its maiden flight in September 1994. Airbus began offering the original Beluga fleet for regular commercial charter in 2022 but by early 2025 had wrapped up the project. Gareth Davies, Head of Airbus Broughton, said, “It’s a proud and incredibly exciting moment for Broughton. Beluga Super Transporter 5 may become a display here, where the newer Beluga XL continues to transport oversize aircraft parts.