An unusual aircraft that resembles a whale has been spotted flying over Norfolk.

The Airbus Beluga XL, which is used to transport aircraft parts, was spotted over Hickling Broad Nature Reserve at 11.45am on Tuesday (August 15).

There are only six of the planes in the world and they are distinguished by their whale-like features.

READ MORE: 'Hovering' ship caught on camera in rare phenomenon

Eastern Daily Press: An Airbus Beluga XL planeAn Airbus Beluga XL plane (Image: Airbus)

The giant planes are based in Toulouse and make cargo flights to 11 destinations around Europe.

According to Flightradar24, flight BGA145I was making its way from Chester to Bremen in Germany. 

The planes do not take passengers although the aircrafts play a part in the construction of many of the world's passenger planes by delivering new parts.