64.44 m wingspan
Direct aircraft comparison
BelugaXLvs747-400 Dreamlifter
Verified dimensions and operating figures, aligned field by field.
71.68 m long
364.235 t MTOW
Same scale
The numbers, visually
Bars are normalised within each measure. A long bar in “payload” cannot be compared directly with a long bar in “wingspan”.
| Specification | BelugaXL | 747-400 Dreamlifter |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 63.1 m | 71.68 m |
| Wingspan | 60.3 m | 64.44 m |
| Height | 18.9 m | 21.54 m |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 227 t | 364.235 t |
| Maximum payload | 51 t | 113.4 t |
| Maximum passengers | — | — |
| Range | 4,000 km | 7,800 km |
| Engines | 2 · Two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 turbofans | 4 · Four 747-400-series turbofans |
| First flight | 19 July 2018 | 9 September 2006 |
| Status | In Airbus internal transport service | In Boeing logistics service |
What is the key difference?
BelugaXL: A distinctive enlarged upper fuselage gives 30 percent more transport capacity than the earlier BelugaST. A hinged lower cockpit keeps the cargo door unobstructed.
747-400 Dreamlifter: Unlike conventional freighters, the rear fuselage swings sideways so very large but relatively light aerospace structures can be loaded into the main deck.
Figures link back to the source notes on each aircraft profile. Last database review: 9 September 2026.