Cargolux (CV, Luxembourg) might add used B747-400(F) or B747-8(F)s in 2018, CEO Richard Forson told a conference meeting last week.
According to the Luxemburger Wort, Forson did not disclose the exact number of additional aircraft the cargo specialist is considering acquiring. Currently, the airline uses twenty-three dedicated B747 freighters, including fourteen B747-8Fs and nine B747-400Fs. He emphasised that used aircraft present much higher value to the airline than possible new orders would.
The larger fleet will also push the airline to expand its current pilot roster with some sixty new hires for its base in Luxembourg. The airline is also expecting to reduce its loss by some USD100 million compared to a previously undisclosed forecast for this year thanks to better than expected demand. This year Cargolux has been operating with load-factors at around 70%, significantly higher than the industry average, Forson said.
Last year, Cargolux earned a full-year net profit of USD5.5 million, down from USD49 million in 2015.
Forson also added that while new destinations are constantly under review, the strategic cooperation agreement signed with Emirates Skycargo this year will allow Cargolux to benefit from its Dubai-based partner's network.
"We are able to offer certain destinations where we don't fly directly but we can buy space off of Emirates. So we can access their global network," Cargolux's CEO said.
