For nearly three decades, one of the most unusual aircraft in European skies has been quietly doing a job most passengers never think about. With its oversized fuselage and unmistakable profile, the Airbus Beluga became a flying bridge between factories, carrying massive components that turn into finished airliners. Now, BelugaST #5 is preparing for its final flight.

Why did this aircraft matter so much, and what does its retirement mean for the future of the Beluga program?