Boeing's Dreamlifter vs Airbus's BelugaXL: comparing transport giants

Four passenger 747-400s were converted into Dreamlifters by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation in Taiwan between 2006 and 2010. These aircraft initially operated with Air China, Malaysia Airlines, and China Airlines before being handed over to Atlas Air in 2010 after Evergreen International Airlines ceased operations.

A significant feature of the Dreamlifter is its swing tail door design—a complex mechanism that was a first for Boeing commercial aircraft. The full swinging tail measures approximately 29 by 23 feet and requires specialized ground support equipment for operation.

On the other hand, Airbus has been using specialized transport aircraft since introducing the Super Guppy in 1972. This was replaced by the Beluga in 1995 to accommodate larger parts needed for newer models like the Airbus A340. The BelugaXL further modernized this fleet with increased capacity, able to carry two A350-1000 wings compared to one by its predecessor.

The BelugaXL uses a modified Airbus A330-200 airframe with an upwards-opening hinged cargo door at its front. Six of these aircraft were built, with registrations ranging from F-GXLG to F-GXLO.

When comparing specifications, both aircraft serve similar roles but differ significantly in design. For instance, "the BelugaXL adds ventral fins to the tail," whereas "the Dreamlifter just has a larger fin." The loading mechanisms also differ: a front opening on the Beluga versus a swing door on the Dreamlifter.

In terms of size, "the Dreamlifter has a total length of 71.68 meters," while "the BelugaXL has a length of 63.1 meters." For volume capacity crucial for carrying components like A350 wings, "the BeluagaXL offers a fuselage volume of 2,209 cubic meters," surpassing "the Dreamlifter" at "1,840 cubic meters."

Payload capacity highlights another difference: "The Dreamlifter offers a maximum payload of 113,400 kg," nearly double that of "the BelugaXL" at "50,500 kg."

Both aircraft continue to fulfill their specific transportation roles effectively within their respective companies' operations.