SPECTACULAR drone footage shows the new BelugaXL finishing its journey in Broughton on Valentine’s Day.

The video shows the incredible plane taxiing on the runway of Hawarden Airport and then opening its cargo hold after making a successful landing on Thursday afternoon.

Drones are not usually allowed near airports but Airbus secured the necessary permissions after checks and risk assessments in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority.

The aircraft, measuring 63.1 metres in length, flew from Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse in France and landed in Hawarden Airport at around 3.30pm after making a flypast of the company’s Bristol factory.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Tony Flynn, testing pilot, said it is nice to return to Hawarden and see the interest the cargo plane has gathered.

He said: "This is a new generation and for the pilots it is much easier and pleasant to fly. I look forward to when it comes into operation for the pilots on a day to day basis it will be a nice change."

The extra-large version of the Beluga plane – so-called for its uncanny resemblance to the adorable marine mammal – sports a smiling whale’s face livery, voted for by Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft employees.

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At the landing site, Bertrand George, head of the BelugaXL programme, said: “This plane is iconic. It's a very important test today for the first time here in the UK. Everyone is very happy with the landing and of course we manufactured all the wings here."

The Beluga will carry out ground tests all day Friday and is due to depart from Hawarden’s aerodrome on Saturday at around lunchtime.

Airbus officials are once again suggesting that spectators wishing to see the plane leave should head to the Chocks Away Diner which overlooks the runway.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian: