Airbus Beluga XL makes historic stop at Kolkata airport
Kolkata: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday as it hosted the Airbus Beluga XL for the first time. The giant aircraft, the largest in the Beluga series, made a scheduled stop for crew rest and refueling during its journey from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, to its unit in Tianjin, China.
The Airbus Beluga XL landed at the Kolkata airport at 10:43 pm IST, arriving from Bahrain International Airport. The aircraft, known for its distinctive shape and immense size, is primarily used to transport oversized cargo, including large aircraft components such as wings and fuselages. The Beluga XL, an upgraded model of the Beluga ST, boasts a length of 63.1 meters and a wingspan of 60.3 meters, with a payload capacity of approximately 51 tons.
Kolkata airport has previously hosted the smaller Beluga ST, but this marks the first time the larger XL model has touched down in the city. The aircraft’s stopover in Kolkata was necessitated by crew rest requirements, flight duty time limitations (FDTL), and the need to refuel. Among airports in eastern India, Kolkata’s facility is uniquely equipped to accommodate such large aircraft, making it a strategic choice for the Beluga XL’s journey.
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Man killed in flat ceiling plaster crash, wife and son hurt
Thane (PTI): A 45-year-old man was killed, and his wife and son were injured when a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed in their flat in a seven-storey building in Thane on Saturday, officials said.
Chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell, Yasin Tadvi, said the 16-year-old building is not listed in the "dangerous" category.
"The incident occurred in Karumdev Society at about 3 am. The plaster of the hall in a flat on the terrace floor suddenly fell while the occupants were asleep", he said.
Of the four people who were inside the room, two suffered minor injuries and were discharged after primary treatment, Tadvi stated.
The injured persons were identified as Arpita More (42), who suffered minor head injuries, and her son Arush More (16), who sustained injuries to both legs.
Manoj More (45), who sustained chest injuries, died during treatment at a private hospital.
