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.

France Airbus BelugaXLThe Airbus BelugaXL on its take-off roll (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
France Airbus BelugaXLThe Airbus BelugaXL rises for the first time (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
Open-water sanctuary for Beluga WhalesA real Beluga whale (Aaron Chown/PA)
France Airbus BelugaXLThe engineers wave from the deck of the Airbus BelugaXL after successfully completing its first flight at Toulouse-Blagnac airport (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
France Airbus BelugaXLThe Airbus BelugaXL taxis after successfully completing its first flight (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
France Airbus BelugaXLThe Airbus BelugaXL prepares to land (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
France Airbus BelugaXLEngineers wave from the deck (Frederic Scheiber/AP)
France Airbus BelugaXLThe Airbus BelugaXL is welcomed back (Frederic Scheiber/AP)