Our fleet

One of the main reasons for Cargolux’s success over the years was our adaptability to technological advancements in the aircraft world. Our history, along with the loyalty of our customers and our growing network of destinations and hubs, goes hand in hand with the history of cargo aircraft. Without our initial CL-44s previously used on passenger services and our reliable CD-8 jets that followed we would not be here today with our modern fleet of Boeing 747s. Our desire to be a step ahead of the curve manifested itself from the very beginning as we operated a uniquely stretched version of the CL-44 that offered up to 18% of the standard version. We continued to progress by turning our interest in jet technology into practice and acquiring the first DC-8s to help us reach our destinations within tighter schedules. Finally, in the late 70s we decided to take a giant leap and focus all of our attention on the newly introduced Boeing models officially becoming a jumbo airline. By doing so, we became lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient – once again, Cargolux was leading the way into a new era.

After fifty years we are still leading the way, reaching increasingly diverse destinations and setting new records in cargo tonnage. Our fleet currently counts thirty aircraft freighters and we could not be more excited about new future possibilities that are awaiting us.

The Canadair CL-44

The story of Cargolux begins with the fading myth of the Canadair CL-44. The characteristic swing-tail aircraft witnessed the humble beginnings and the impressive growth of the all-cargo airline. As soon the company's operating certificate was delivered on May 10th 1970, Cargolux took off!

Cargolux's first CL-44 freighter (TF-LLJ) touched down on American soil at the JFK Airport all the way from Stockholm to pick up a shipment of strawberries and iceberg lettuce. The second achievement reached with the CL-44 at the end of that same year was the introduction of regular services to and from Hong Kong. As demand for cargo increased, so did its variety and the CL-44 was more than capable of adapting to the developing market.

In order to cater for the growing demand of live shipments, the airline introduced animal penning in its freighters. Unusual shipments were fast becoming the norm, and by the end of 1972, Cargolux operated a total of five CL-44s. Three of these aircraft were the stretched version that offered 18% more volume than the traditional model. Cargolux was the only operator that could offer this additional volume thanks to two additional fuselage plugs placed in front and aft of the wings. Talk about a workhorse!

The universal applicability and reliability of the CL-44 inspired the company's now famous motto: You name it, we fly it! A perfect reflection of Cargolux's philosophy. From street lampposts to Saudi Arabia, an urgent shipment of beer to Hong Kong, marble fireplaces to the Persian Gulf, or shipments of expensive suitcases to Japan, the CL-44 enabled the company to expand its operations and gain new customers around the world. Despite the rapid rise of jet aircraft, Cargolux continued to fly its reliable stretched CL-44s until the end of the 1970s before eventually completely moving to the jet age. Despite being a short-lived chapter in the history of aviation, the CL-44 served the airline well as the first aircraft to fly the Cargolux logo across the skies.
The propellers of the CL-44

CL-44 take-off

TF-LLJ, Cargolux's first CL-44

City of Luxembourg

Loading an ambulance onto a CL-44

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The Douglas DC-8

Speed was the name of the game. A new era had arrived – the era of jet technology – and it was time for Cargolux to join the show. Acquiring the powerful and fuel-efficient Douglas DC-8 was the airline's answer to the latest advancements in the air cargo world. This decision was made in the fall of 1973, well over three years into our adventure. The aircraft had an impressive payload of 34 tons, offering more capacity for Cargolux’s expanding business. In addition to this, the DC-8 was a vastly superior freighter compared to the CL-44 in terms of speed. This was the key factor that helped Cargolux with regular services to the Far East, operating the Luxembourg – Hong Kong – Luxembourg line in under 32 hours. This acquisition significantly contributed to the extension of Cargolux’s network of destinations and allowed for increased scheduling flexibility and reliability.

Over the next few years, the DC-8-63s comprised our main fleet, subject to varying leasing and purchasing agreements with other airlines including the Flying Tigers. These agreements notably led Cargolux into the subleasing business and the DC-8 was a first-hand witness of this remarkable chapter in our history. Along with the DC-8, Cargolux initiated both passenger and freight subleasing configurations for its customers as well as supplementary services such as crew scheduling and positioning, and general flight management. By converting some of our DC-8s into passenger planes Cargolux operated a number of Hajj flights throughout the 70s and early 80s.

With the sudden breakthrough of jumbo freighters, the DC-8 saw itself retreat into the shadows as the superior Boeing 747 took the stage in the late 70s. However, the effect the Douglas DC-8 had on Cargolux cannot go unnoticed. The DC-8 was the key to faster and more flexible transport. It offered great scheduling flexibility and was easily convertible to passenger configuration, opening up new possibilities on the market.
DC-8 in outside maintenance

Loading of a DC-8 and a 747-200

DC-8 in maintenance

TF-BCV

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Boeing 747-200

When one thinks about Cargolux, the first image that comes to mind is the 747. However, back in 1977, when Cargolux ordered its first B747-200 freighter, it seemed outrageous. No other operator in the European cargo industry had contemplated using this huge wide-body aircraft. But this bold decision would shape the company's future. Cargolux has always been a pioneer in the air cargo industry and revolutionizing its fleet by introducing a 747 was an unmatched opportunity. In the first year of operation, the 747 helped Cargolux generate a turnover increase of 24%.

The acquisition of this jumbo jet was a real game changer for the airline that was suddenly propelled into a new era. With a capacity of close to 100 tons, it was a gigantic step for the operator; one that would define its future.
Cargolux's second 747-200

747-200 taxiing

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Boeing 747-400

After the delivery of the first 747 in 1979, the unique aircraft became one of Cargolux's symbols. In 1993, Cargolux was the first airline in the world to operate the B747-400F when it took delivery of the most technologically advanced freighter aircraft of the time.

The new generation Boeing 747-400 was a whole different animal compared to its predecessors. Its impressive payload of 124 tons and range of up to 8,240km lit a spark in the company’s business development after a number of difficult years. Cargolux could now load 20% more cargo and take it 1,800km further. The aircraft's long-range enabled Cargolux to open up new destinations and capitalize on its existing routes.

The freighter was an obvious member of the -400 family, yet a significantly different airplane to the original passenger version. With the outward appearance of a 200-series, the Boeing 747-400F boasted the modern efficiency of upgraded systems, a two-crew flight-deck, longer wingspan, winglets, and carbon brakes. A purpose-designed freighter, the fuselage has neither windows nor passenger doors, and it also forgoes the extended upper deck of the passenger and combi versions.

LX-FCV, the first Cargolux -400F, was delivered on 18 November 1993, while the second, LX-GCV, arrived just a few weeks later on 9 December. Proud of this achievement, Cargolux had reportedly made an application for an entry in the Guinness book of records on a ‘payload versus non-stop range’ basis, where the aircraft beat any other freighter at the time. According to a Cargolux analysis, its version of the 747-400F recorded an increased payload/range, carrying over 116 tons on a direct Seattle – Luxembourg flight, 6 tons more than Boeing had originally predicted.
The third Cargolux Boeing 747-400F, LX-ICV, was actually the first one that was ever built. It was ordered by and built for Air France, but not taken up and eventually delivered to Cargolux in 1995. Like all new aircraft, ICV carried a full load of cargo on its delivery flight from Seattle to Luxembourg, making it its first revenue-earning flight. After initially looking upon Cargolux’s decision to operate the aircraft with skepticism – in fact, many competitors predicted that the -400F could not be profitable – the leading air cargo companies quickly followed.
It quickly transpired that Cargolux’s new workhorse was not only very economical – the aircraft carried more payload while fuel consumption was 18% lower that of the -200F – it was also more environmentally friendly, an important factor when it comes to local communities. The take-off noise footprint was reduced by 50% and engine emissions were also significantly lower.
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Boeing 747-8F

In July 2005, the Board of Directors authorized Cargolux management to enter into talks with Boeing for the purchase of a fleet of new-generation Boeing 747-8 freighters. Three months of intense negotiations culminated in Boeing and Cargolux jointly announcing the launch of the new aircraft. Cargolux was one of two launch customers with a firm order for 10 aircraft and purchase rights for 10 additional ones.
The new 747-8F features improved performance in terms of range, environmental compliance, noise reduction and fuel efficiency and its GEnx engines. An improved version of its predecessor, the freighter boasted a maximum payload of 133.9 metric tonnes and a range of 8,130 kilometers.
Some six years after signing the initial order, in 2011, launch customer Cargolux took delivery of its first two Boeing 747-8 freighters. The first aircraft, LX-VCB - City of Esch-sur-Alzette, was handed over to the Luxembourg carrier at a ceremony in Seattle. The second aircraft, LX-VCD - City of Luxembourg, left Seattle two days after the first unit, to join the Cargolux fleet. A third 747-8F, LX-VCC - City of Ettelbruck, joined Cargolux later that year and four more followed in 2012. 

With a maximum payload of 134 tonnes and about the same trip costs as the 747-400F, the 747-8F can accommodate 7 additional pallets and 16% more cargo than its predecessor. Thanks to its advanced GEnx engine, improved aerodynamics and lighter materials, the 747-8 Freighter provides double-digit improvements in fuel consumption and carbon emissions – well below ICAO limits. The 747-8F is not only cleaner, but also significantly quieter as it reduces its noise footprint by 30% over its predecessor. The new aircraft has enabled Cargolux to reinforce its position as a leading air cargo carrier and increase its presence on the worldwide markets.
Tail of LX-VCM

LX-VCM, City of Redange sur Atert

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TF-LLJ, Cargolux's first CL-44
Cargolux's first 747
747-400F landing
LX-VCH
LX-VCM, City of Redange sur Atert

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Our fleet

Next chapter: 50 years

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