Airbus' new mega-transporter the Beluga XL has entered service, set to boost the aircraft manufacturer's total freight capacity by a whopping additional 30 percent.
The new aircraft, nicknamed 'The Whale', will be used by Airbus to transport aircraft parts and components between their construction facilities.
At 63m long and 8m wide, the Beluga XL has the largest cargo bay of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide. It's so large, it can carry the wings of Airbus' A350 aircraft.
The lowered cockpit, cargo bay structure, rear-end and tail give the aircraft its distinctive 'whale' look.
Airbus has released footage of the new aircraft model's first flight, showcasing the first of six Beluga XL's that will be rolled out over the next three years.
They will fly between 11 different cities across Europe.
