Bruce Barnard, Special Correspondent | Oct 13, 2011 10:17AM EDT
Cargolux has loaded cargo onto its first 747-8 freighter and will take over a second aircraft Thursday, after settling a contractual dispute with Boeing that prompted Europe’s largest all-cargo carrier to refuse delivery last month.
The first aircraft is flying to Cargolux’s home hub in Luxembourg after picking up freight at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The second 747-8F being handed over at Boeing’s plant near Seattle is part of a 13-plane order placed by launch customer Cargolux.
Cargolux abruptly halted the original deliveries scheduled for September 19 and Sept 21 reportedly over a shortfall in fuel-efficiency guarantees. The carrier didn’t reveal details of the agreement with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE, but said its negotiators “took the appropriate actions.”
“The 747-8 freighter will be a driver of profitable growth for Cargolux,” CEO Frank Reimen said.
Following Cargolux’s rejection of the September deliveries, Atlas Air cancelled the first three of a 12-plane order, citing “lengthy delays and performance considerations.” The 747-8 program is more than a year behind schedule.
Boeing has taken 75 orders for the 747-8F, which has a list price of $319.3 million.
-- Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.
