Watch: Flying Beluga whale takes to the skies as Airbus unveils new airlifter

The Airbus BelugaXL prepares to land on its maiden flight (Frederic Scheiber/AP) Credit: AP/Press Association Images

Anyone who thought they saw a flying whale over France on Thursday was in fact watching the maiden flight of a new plane.

The Airbus BelugaXL took off from Toulouse-Blagnac airport complete with facial markings that underlined its similarity with the whale it is named after.

Airbus was pleased with the first aerial adventure of its new product and tweeted “Whale done!” when the plane returned to base.

The Airbus BelugaXL rises for the first time Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP
A real Beluga whale Credit: Aaron Chown/PA
The engineers wave from the deck of the Airbus BelugaXL after successfully completing its first flight at Toulouse-Blagnac airport Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP
The Airbus BelugaXL taxis after successfully completing its first flight Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP
The Airbus BelugaXL prepares to land Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP
Engineers wave from the deck Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP
The Airbus BelugaXL is welcomed back Credit: Frederic Scheiber/AP