Airbus signs up Beluga XL suppliers

Airbus has selected its major aerostructure suppliers for the Beluga XL programme, the new oversize air transporter.
Stelia Aerospace has been selected to design and build the nose fuselage and main cargo door which gives the Beluga XL its signature "whale" shape.
Aernnova has been selected to design and build the rear fuselage and dorsal fin.
Deharde, in partnership with P3 Voith Aerospace, has been selected to design and build the typical fuselage of the cargo bay.
Aciturri has been selected to design and build the horizontal tail plane (HTP) box extension and auxiliary fins.
Further suppliers are being selected and will be announced "in due course" said the European planemaker.
The new Beluga programme was launched in November 2014 and named Beluga XL for its increased dimensions on the current Belugas in operation.
The additional one metre in width and six metres in length will allow the Beluga XL to carry two A350 XWB wings at a time, twice that of the current Beluga.
The Beluga XL will address the transport capacity requirement for the A350 XWB ramp-up and other aircraft production rate increases.

Compared to the current Beluga, the Beluga XL will provide Airbus with an additional 30% air transport capacity.
The new oversize air transporters are based on the A330, with a large re-use of existing components and equipment. The design concept is similar to the current Beluga, with the distinctive lowered cockpit, cargo bay structure, rear-end and tail being amongst the items which are newly developed. 
The first of five Beluga XLs will enter into service in 2019.