BelugaST vs An-124: Why Airbus Fell Short in Heavy Cargo

The Airbus BelugaST aircraft, despite its innovative design and versatility, has faced substantial challenges in its attempt to replace the Russian Antonov An-124 fleet in the global cargo transportation market. The BelugaST’s inability to meet the demand for heavy-lift cargo, which the An-124 traditionally excelled at, highlights significant limitations in its payload capacity, operational efficiency, and market positioning. The Antonov An-124 has been an essential pillar of the heavy-lift cargo industry, capable of transporting large and heavy items such as turbines, military equipment, and aerospace components. However, the fleet’s operations were severely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Geopolitical tensions and sanctions led to the grounding and restricted use of many An-124s, particularly affecting operators like the Russian Volga-Dnepr Airlines. This disruption created a significant void in the global supply chain, delaying critical projects and escalating costs for industries reliant on oversized cargo logistics. Compounding the crisis was the loss of the An-225 Mriya, the world’s largest cargo aircraft, destroyed during the early stages of the conflict at Hostomel Airport. The An-225’s unmatched payload capacity of 250 tons made it indispensable for transporting ultra-heavy and oversized cargo. Its destruction not only symbolized a devastating operational loss but also left industries grappling with logistical challenges that could not be addressed by any other aircraft. In response to the demand surge for oversized cargo transport, Airbus launched its Beluga Transport service in January 2022. Leveraging its existing BelugaXL and BelugaST fleets, which were initially designed for internal Airbus operations, the service aimed to provide a flexible alternative for industries in need of oversized cargo solutions. Capabilities of the BelugaST: Based on the A300-600 design, the BelugaST features a distinctive large cross-section and a payload capacity of 40 tonnes. This makes it suitable for oversized cargo like satellites and helicopters. However, its capacity pales in comparison to the An-124, which can transport up to 150 tonnes. The BelugaXL, although slightly larger, offers a payload of 51 tonnes. While this is adequate for certain applications, it remains a partial solution rather than a direct competitor to the An-124 or An-225. Despite Airbus’s optimism, the BelugaST faced numerous operational and market challenges: Limited Payload and Range: The payload capacities of both the BelugaST and BelugaXL are significantly lower than those of the An-124, making them unsuitable for heavy-lift missions that demand higher capacities. Specialized Loading Requirements: The BelugaST’s high cargo deck necessitates specialized loading equipment, complicating operations compared to the An-124’s ramp-loading capability. Market Competition and Sanctions: Although sanctions restricted the use of Russian-operated aircraft, many potential customers still did not adopt the BelugaST as a viable alternative, largely due to its operational limitations. The reduced availability of heavy-lift aircraft led to a sharp rise in freight costs, putting additional pressure on industries reliant on such services. Organizations began exploring alternative transportation methods, including modular shipping solutions and the development of new aircraft. Notably, Antonov announced plans to rebuild the An-225, signaling a collaborative effort between governments and private entities to address the shortage.