Reading it properly, they'll still ferry parts between their sites (Tolouse, Hamburg, where else?) using a version of the plane, they're just stopping the commercial cargo service.

Although afaik they were built to fit A380 parts, but since they've stopped making them, I wonder if they still need Belugas.

One time one of these flights took a non-routine route and flew near where I lived, I noticed a plane with a different noise profile, I can't remember if I spotted it in the air or I just saw what model it was on ADSB-Exchange.

They’re using BelugaXLs, which despite the name are not really a version of _this_ plane. A Beluga is an A300 derivative, a BelugaXL is an A330 derivative.

(Always kind of secretly hoped they’d do an A380 derivative Beluga, just for the absurdity factor.)

> "The main challenge was the significant operational difficulties" because the plane required specially trained teams and loading equipment, she said.

Does it mean they don't want to invest in training and equipment, or it just isn't worth it?

Presumably not worth it. These were carrying commercial freight; Airbus continues to operate the larger more modern BelugaXL for its own needs.

I would wonder if their being based on an aircraft from 1971 was a factor; presumably Airbus doesn’t want to maintain A300 derivatives _forever_.