Which Airbus aircraft is the BelugaXL cargo transporter based on?

The Airbus BelugaXL cargo transporter is based on the Airbus A330-200.

Airbus developed the BelugaXL to carry oversized aircraft components between its European production sites. The design uses an extensively modified A330-200 airframe, with a large upper fuselage and distinctive tail arrangement creating the cargo volume needed for wings and other major sections.

The BelugaXL replaced the earlier A300-600ST Beluga fleet. Although both aircraft have a whale-like appearance, they are based on different Airbus airframes: the original Beluga used the A300, while the BelugaXL uses the A330-200.

The BelugaXL first flew in 2018 and entered service in 2019. Its role is primarily industrial logistics rather than passenger transport, so its specifications are best understood in terms of cargo dimensions and production support rather than airline seating.