Cargolux on Wednesday finalized an order for 10 Boeing 777-8 Freighters and secured options on another six during a signing ceremony at the airline’s headquarters in Luxembourg. Cargolux plans to replace its aging 747-400s with the freighter version of the 777X program’s smaller of two variants, several delays to which have pushed back expected certification to 2027. Boeing expects to deliver the first 777-8F to launch customer Qatar Airways, which placed a firm order for 34 of the twinjets in January. Cargolux identified the 777-8 as its “preferred choice” to replace its 747-400s during July’s Farnborough Airshow. Boeing previously listed the order as unidentified on its orders and deliveries website.
"The agreement we signed today will consolidate Cargolux's position as a global leader of air freight services,” said Cargolux president and CEO Richard Forson. “Replacing our aging fleet of 747-400 Freighters with the latest technology and fuel-efficient 777-8 Freighter model will contribute to our long-term sustainability program while continuing to offer our customers the tailored service they expect.”
Boeing launched the new 777-8 Freighter in January 2022 and has booked orders for more than 50 for the model. The 777-8 Freighter features nearly identical payload and range capabilities to the 747-400 Freighter while providing 30 percent better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25 percent less operating costs per tonne, according to Boeing estimates.
"With its purchase of our newest freighter, Cargolux has invested in a sustainable future as the 777-8 Freighter will significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to the airplane it is replacing," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Equally important, the 777-8 Freighter operates with a noise footprint up to 60 percent smaller than its predecessors, significantly minimizing noise emissions around airport communities."
Cargolux, which ranks as Europe's largest all-cargo airline, operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 747-8 and 747-400 Freighters. The Cargolux worldwide network covers over 75 destinations on scheduled all-cargo flights and offers full and part-charter services.