Cargolux Orders Five Boeing 747-400 Freighters
Cargolux Airlines has ordered five Boeing 747-400 Freighter airplanes valued at $825 million, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed today.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin October 1998 and continue through October 2001. The airline also has options for two additional 747-400 Freighters.
"Today's order underscores our continuing commitment to provide the highest value service to our forwarders and their customers," said Cargolux Chief Executive Officer and President Heiner Wilkens. "The new freighters will ensure that we are well-positioned in the market as pressure continues for improved air cargo service levels not easily satisfied with lower-hold capacity."
The Luxembourg-based cargo company will become an all-747-400 Freighter fleet by mid-1999. Cargolux will use three of the new freighters to replace 747-200 freighters in its fleet. Two of the new freighters will increase the airliner's capacity and growth. The airline is schedule to take delivery in November 1997 of a previously unannounced 747-400 Freighter.
"We're pleased that an all-Boeing fleet will continue to contribute to the success achieved by Cargolux, and we're proud of the value that the 747-400 Freighter brings to our customers in a growing market," said Ron Woodard, president of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group.
Boeing continues to be the world leader in civilian air cargo. The Boeing 747 provides 31 percent of the world's freighter fleet capability. With a 248,300-pound (112,627 kg) payload and 5,010-mile (8,060 km) range, the 747-400 leads all other commercial freighters. The -400 Freighter could easily carry 26 more tons (23,590 kilograms) more than its predecessors.
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