June 9 - Boeing has rolled out the first B747-8F for Cargolux from its paint hangar in Seattle. The aircraft sports a new livery that will be applied to the entire Cargolux 747-8F fleet.

The new livery on Cargolux's 747-8 is an evolution from the current design and gives a glimpse of a new era for the company that will begin with the arrival of the aircraft in Luxembourg later this year.

The new design stands for continuity and commitment while confirming the fundamental principles that made Cargolux successful over more than 40 years. The red, white and blue stripes symbolise the company's roots in Luxembourg, its hub and home base.

Cargolux is happy to see its first new aircraft roll out after a number of production delays at Boeing. The airline will be able to operate a freighter with dramatically enhanced efficiency and environmental improvements.

The 747-8 is clean and quiet, delivering a 17 percent reduction in specific fuel consumption over its predecessor, the 747-400F. The new GEnx engines have a 17 percent reduction in carbon emissions and help to reduce the noise footprint of the aircraft by 30 percent.

The 747-8F is almost six metres longer than the 747-400F, resulting in an increased capacity of 148 tonnes of freight. Cargolux has specifically built its new maintenance hangar to accommodate the new aircraft's increased size.

Companies active in heavy lift air cargo arena will be interested to read that our industry focus item in the July / August edition of HLPFI will be on Heavy Lift airlines and airfreight. For more information about editorial or advertising opportunities please contact ian@heavyliftpfi.com