Rare visit: an Airbus Beluga XL is expected to land today at London Heathrow

The Airbus Beluga XL, identified as F-GXLO, is set to arrive at London Heathrow Airport to deliver spare parts for a British Airways A350-1000 that has been out of service since April due to damage. The incident occurred when a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 struck the British Airways plane's horizontal stabilizer while being towed. The Virgin Atlantic aircraft has since returned to service, but the British Airways A350-1000 remains grounded due to the extent of the damage. The Beluga XL is expected to land by 11:00 and depart at 17:20 after completing its delivery. In my expert opinion, the use of the Airbus Beluga XL for transporting aircraft parts demonstrates the critical role of specialized cargo aircraft in the aviation industry. The ability to quickly transport vital components can significantly reduce aircraft downtime, which is essential for airlines to maintain operational efficiency and minimize financial losses. Moreover, incidents like these highlight the importance of diligent ground handling procedures to ensure the safety and integrity of aircraft while on the ground.