Cargolux rejects Boeing's first two 747 8F cargo planes
Boeing’s reputation in the air freight industry took a hit recently, when Cargolux Airlines International said that it had “rejected” the first two 747 8F cargo planes ordered from Boeing on the heels of a contract dispute.
On Friday, Cargolux called off a ceremony scheduled for today and tomorrow to commemorate the delivery of Boeing’s redesigned jumbo freighter. The delivery was heavily anticipated, as there has been a two-year delay for the 747 8F cargo plane due to supply chain and design problems.
Cargolux is 35 percent owned by Qatar Airways, and has developed a hard-nosed reputation in dealing with aircraft manufacturers. The company said in a statement on Saturday that “unresolved contractual issues” prompted the airline to reject the first two of 13 Boeing 747 8F planes.
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According to the Wall Street Journal, the move comes “as an embarrassment for Boeing which planned to deliver the first 747 8F and the delayed 787 Dreamliner to their first customers this month.”
Now, Boeing will have to wait a little longer to deliver its first 747 8F, but there was no indication from Cargolux that the 787 Dreamliner delivery will be affected by the recent move.
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The apparent contract squabble between Cargolux and Boeing is not anything new to the air freight industry. Boeing has reportedly already shelled out millions in compensation to customers waiting for both planes because of delays, some of which were related directly to the company’s beleaguered supply chain.
Boeing said on Friday that it has renewed talks with Cargolux and looks forward to eventually delivering the two affected planes.
