Posted by Skyler Frink
Boeing, Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines announced the initial orders for the 747-8 Freighter in November 2005. Today's delivery comes nearly 18 years after Cargolux was the recipient of the first Boeing 747-400 Freighter, which went on to become the workhorse and standard of the air cargo industry.
The airplane will be a perfect addition to the Cargolux fleet, said Frank Reimen, Cargolux president and CEO.
Cargolux has ordered a total of 13 747-8 Freighters – its 10-airplane launch order in 2005 and a follow-on order for three additional airplanes placed in 2007.
The 747-8 Freighter offers double-digit improvements in fuel burn, operating cost and lower emissions over the airplane it replaces. It also provides 16 percent more revenue-generating cargo volume, which allows it to hold seven additional pallets. The new model carries a maximum structural payload capacity of 147.6 tons (133.9 metric tonnes) while providing the same nose-door loading capability, industry-standard 10-foot (3-m) -high pallets and real-world cargo density capability at 9.9 pounds per cubic foot (159 kg/m3) as the industry standard 747-400 Freighter and maintaining interlining capability with the Boeing 777 Freighter.
The new GEnx-2B67 engines incorporate the latest technologies – such as a composite fan case and blades and a revolutionary turbine – to create double-digit efficiency gains over the engines it replaces.
Eight customers have ordered a total of 75 747-8 Freighters.
