Cargolux (CV, Luxembourg) Emirates SkyCargo and Cargolux (CV, Luxembourg) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two carriers work together on a number of freight operational aspects, such as aircraft capacity, block space, interline agreements, hub connectivity, and cargo handling.

According to a statement, Emirates will be able to utilise Cargolux's fleet of fourteen B747-8(F) and twelve B747-400(F) freighters, in addition to its own fleet of passenger aircraft and freighters. Both carriers will have access to the other's networks, greatly expanding their reach.

"Cargolux will have access to Emirates SkyCargo's high frequency distribution network through the belly-hold of passenger flights to over 150 global destinations in 83 countries, whilst Emirates will have access to main deck 747 capacity on Cargolux's network," the statement says.

Cargo carried by Emirates SkyCargo will be handled at Cargolux's Luxembourg facility, once it commences freighter operations from that location in June 2017. Cargolux has committed to increasing its freighter service to Dubai World Central to an unspecified number, with cargo there to be handled by Emirates SkyCargo staff.

According to the statement, the agreement is the first of its kind between a mainline airline and a freighter specialist.