Luxembourg’s Cargolux ponders A350, 777X freighters

Cargolux (CV, Luxembourg) is in advanced talks with Airbus concerning a potential A350F order, although Boeing is not yet out of contention, Reuters has reported.

The Luxembourg-based cargo specialist only operates B747 freighters at present, comprising six B747-400(ERF)s, seven B747-400(FSCD)s, and fourteen B747-8Fs, all of them production freighters. In late 2020, the airline floated the idea of ordering B777-300(ER)(SF)s, which would become its first converted aircraft, although thus far, no such deal has materialised.

The report suggested that Cargolux’s decision to consider its fleet strategy may have been influenced by the two manufacturers’ renewed interest in building new freighters. Having recently announced the A350F programme, Airbus has tentatively landed Air Lease Corporation as a customer and secured a tentative commitment from CMA CGM Air Cargo (Paris CDG), which is due to become the type’s launch operator if the order is finalised. In turn, Boeing has yet to confirm if it will build a B777X freighter but has reportedly offered the aircraft to Qatar Airways and Lufthansa, among others.

A Cargolux spokesperson confirmed it has been analysing offers from both manufacturers.