Cargolux was instrumental in the development of the 747-8 freighter and Boeing used much of the airline’s input in the aircraft design. Boeing has since acknowledged that, without Cargolux, there would be no 747-8 today. The Luxembourg carrier became the launch customer with an initial order for 10 units in 2005 and was the world’s first operator of this aircraft type in October 2011.

‘The 747-8 Freighter has proved to be a tremendous addition to Cargolux’s fleet, providing increased capacity, more range and outstanding economics,’ said Monty Oliver, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. ‘We congratulate Cargolux on this latest delivery and are honored that the 747 remains the mainstay of its all-Boeing fleet.’

LX-VCN will operate its first commercial flight from Seattle to Luxembourg with a full load of cargo. All Cargolux 747 freighters have traditionally operated their delivery flight as a revenue-earning flight. The aircraft arrives in Luxembourg on Friday, 30 September.

‘Cargolux operates in a highly competitive market. In such an environment, an aircraft that combines economic efficiency with high earning potential gives a clear advantage,’ says Richard Forson, Cargolux President & CEO. ‘I see the 747-8F as an industry stalwart; this aircraft has already proven its worth for Cargolux in five years of reliable and efficient operation and it will continue to drive growth and revenues for Cargolux in the years to come’,

LX-VCN brings the Cargolux fleet to 26 747 freighters, the largest the company has ever operated. This fleet includes such stars as LX-VCL that carries the name of ‘Joe Sutter – Father of the 747’ - in memory and tribute to the man who started it all back in the 1960s - and LX-VCM, that sports a unique anniversary livery by Belgian cartoonist Philippe Cruyt. An increasing number of Cargolux 747-8Fs also carry the names of its biggest and most loyal customers in honor of their trust and support through more than 45 years of operation.

The 747-8 freighter represents a benchmark in fuel efficiency and noise reduction, allowing Cargolux to lower fuel costs and fly into more airports at more times of the day. The 747-8 freighter offers 16% more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400 freighter. The maximum range with full fuel has grown to 8,130 km. The airplane upholds its predecessor’s legendary efficiency with nearly equivalent trip costs and 16% percent lower ton-mile costs than the 747-400 freighter. At the same time, the 747-8F improves on the environmental record of its predecessor with a double digit reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, well below ICAO limits. Applied to Cargolux’s operation, this represents a saving of up to 400,000 tonnes CO2 per year. Due to the newly developed, advanced General Electric GEnx-2B engines with a unique dual chevron design, its 85db noise footprint during take-off is reduced by 30% compared to the 747-400F, improving the quality of life of local communities. The 747-8Fs environmental enhancements allow Cargolux to set the standards in sustainable airfreight transport.