Summary Boeing's Dreamlifter and Airbus's BelugaXL transport aircraft parts globally for aircraft assembly. The Dreamlifter, based on the Boeing 747-400, has a higher payload capacity than the BelugaXL. BelugaXL is the volume leader in cargo capacity compared to the Dreamlifter.
Airbus and Beluga both use specialized aircraft for the transportation of aircraft parts during construction. With the assembly of several aircraft types taking place at various locations throughout the globe, large pieces of the fuselage or wings need to be transported from one site to another. Both manufacturers have developed transporter aircraft based on their commercial airliners.
Boeing uses the Dreamlifter, a modification of the Boeing 747-400. Airbus uses the Beluga, based on the Airbus A300, and the BelugaXL, based on the A330. Both aircraft are huge and capable of carrying a wide variety of cargo and airline components.
While the Dreamlifter can carry a higher payload, the BelugaXL is the leader for cargo volume. Quick Links The Boeing Dreamlifter - Boeing 747-400 LCF The Airbus Belga and BelugaXL Comparing the Dreamlifter and the BelugaXL The Boeing Dreamlifter - Boeing 747-400 LCF Boeing launched its first Dreamlifter aircraft in 2006 to support the construction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Boeing 787 wings are constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya, Japan.
Fuselage sections are built in Japan, Italy, and the US. These pieces are too big for standard shipping containers .