Finally!!! Boeing delivers first Boeing 747-8F freighter to Cargolux. Second today.

by Vinay Bhaskara

On 12th October, Boeing finally delivered the first new generation Boeing 747-8F freighter to Cargolux, ending a three week dispute with the carrier over compensation for the aircraft. The aircraft bears registration number LC-VCB.

First Boeing 747-8F freighter. CargoLux LC-VCBClick on image for a high resolution view

Cargolux was seeking additional compensation due to performance shortfalls of the 747-8F with regards to fuel burn, though numerous analysts have speculated that the true issue may have been the effect of 787 delays on Cargolux’s new owners — Qatar Airways. The resulting negotiations forced Boeing to cancel a lavish three day delivery event planned for the original delivery date of 19-September, but Cargolux did take delivery of the aircraft in a more muted ceremony on Wednesday.

The deal between Boeing and Cargolux was announced on Wednesday morning by Boeing Commercial Airplane’s marketing chief Randy Tinseth on his blog, and at 11:55 am; the first Cargolux 747-8F took off from Paine Field bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where it would pick up a cargo load and begin revenue service. Boeing will deliver a second 747-8F, registration LC-VCD to Cargolux today.

Meanwhile, Boeing has also announced that it will be delivering just one Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (the passenger version of the 747-8F) in 2011, down from a planned total of 5. The first 747-8i will be delivered to a private customer.

Delivery of the first 747-8i to the first airline operator, Lufthansa is targeted for early spring (March~May) of 2012.

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