Cargolux finalises order for Boeing 777-8F freighters

Cargolux has finalised an order of 10 Boeing 777-8F freighters and six options as it looks to replace its older four-engined aircraft.

The all-cargo airline initially indicated its intention to place an order for Boeing’s latest freighter aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow to replace its aging 747-400F aircraft.

Cargolux chief executive Richard Forson said: “The agreement we signed today will consolidate Cargolux’s position as a global leader of airfreight services.

“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 programme while continuing to offer our customers the tailored service they expect.”

The airline operates 16 Boeing 747-400Fs as well as 14 747-8Fs.

Stan Deal, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “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 airplanes it is replacing.

“Equally important, the 777-8 freighter operates with a noise footprint up to 60% smaller than its predecessors, significantly minimising noise emissions around airport communities.”

The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s orders & deliveries website.

Boeing launched the new 777-8 freighter in January 2022 and has now booked more than 50 orders for the model.

“The 777-8 freighter has nearly identical payload and range capabilities as the 747-400 freighter while providing 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25% better operating costs per tonne,” Boeing said.

“It is the ideal choice as operators replace aging freighters later this decade.”

Meanwhile, Boeing also revealed that Air China Cargo has placed an order for five 777Fs, although it did not specify whether these were the 777-200F or 777-8F model.

The deal was signed at Cargolux’s headquarters in Luxemburg.