Cargolux

Cargolux Airlines International S.A. is the flag carrier cargo airline of Luxembourg, established as a pioneer in global air freight since its founding on 4 March 1970 by Luxair, Salen Shipping, Loftleiðir, and private investors. Starting with a single Canadair CL-44 freighter to Hong Kong, it rapidly expanded into jet operations with DC-8s in 1973 and Boeing 747s from 1978, solidifying its reputation for heavy-lift capabilities.

Headquartered in Sandweiler near Luxembourg Airport (LUX), its sole main hub, Cargolux operates one of Europe's largest all-cargo networks, serving over 90 destinations on five continents via 70+ scheduled routes. Key markets include Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Zhengzhou, Singapore), North America (Atlanta, Calgary), the Middle East (Dubai), and intra-Europe points. The airline complements air services with a global trucking network to 250+ destinations and offers charters, ACMI wet-leases, and MRO services.

Distinctive for being the launch customer of the Boeing 747-8F, Cargolux flies a modern fleet of 26 widebody freighters: 14 Boeing 747-8Fs, six 747-400Fs, and six 747-400ERFs, averaging 17 years old. Aircraft bear names of Luxembourg cities, with special liveries like the 50th anniversary retro scheme and 'Spirit of Cargolux'. Owned 52% by the Luxembourg government and 35% by China's Henan Civil Aviation, it fosters strong East-West ties via joint venture Henan Cargo Airlines.

Cargolux excels in reliability, holding platinum Cargo iQ status, and innovates with sustainability initiatives like e-SAF procurement and a 2024 aerial firefighting unit. Future-proofed with 10 Boeing 777-8F orders, it remains a top scheduled all-cargo heavyweight, handling everything from perishables to outsized cargo with unmatched efficiency from its strategic European hub.