Airbus Beluga XL stops almost immediately upon landing with remarkable braking performance
Published on Sep 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Sep 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Watch as the rare Airbus Beluga XL is captured coming to a standstill almost immediately after touching the tarmac in one of the most remarkable braking performances ever seen.
The whale in the sky is a rare sight for even the most fanatical aviation experts, unless you’re in the UK. But the rare Airbus Beluga XL is a frequent flier, carting plane parts all around the world.
Capable of weighing 227,000kg by the time it has been loaded, and boasting a top speed of 398 knots (458mph), the Beluga XL might appear to be a beast that is hard to stop.
However, one video, displayed above, has captured the moment that the nautical plane grinds to a halt on the landing strip in Hawarden, Wales, and it’s truly remarkable – check it out and see for yourself.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.