Airbus has assembled the basic core airframe of the initial Beluga XL high-capacity transport designed to replace the A300-600ST logistics fleet. The airframe – based on an A330-200 freighter, with reinforcements – was assembled in December but has yet to be mated with its nose or tail sections. These sections will be added this year, the manufacturer states, as an 18-month integration process commences. (www.flightglobal.com) 更多...