Cargolux — Dedicated Freighter Airline & Air Cargo Services
Description
Cargolux: Europe’s Premier All-Cargo Airline
Cargolux Airlines International is Europe’s largest all-cargo airline, headquartered in Luxembourg (LUX). Unlike airlines that carry cargo as a by-product of passenger flights, Cargolux is 100% dedicated to freight — operating a modern fleet of Boeing 747-400F and 747-8F freighters. Founded in 1970, Cargolux has built a reputation for handling heavy, oversized, and specialized cargo that other carriers cannot accommodate.
Cargolux Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg |
| Hub Airport | Luxembourg Findel (LUX) |
| Fleet | 30 Boeing 747 freighters (747-400F and 747-8F) |
| Destinations | 80+ cities worldwide |
| Annual Cargo Volume | ~1 million tonnes |
| Specialty | Heavy, oversized, and project cargo |
| IATA Cargo Code | CV |
Specialized Services
| Service | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cargolux Project Cargo | Outsized and super-heavy shipments via 747 nose door | Industrial equipment, machinery, aerospace parts |
| CV Fresh | Temperature-controlled perishable transport | Flowers, fruits, seafood, vegetables |
| CV Pharma | GDP-compliant pharmaceutical logistics | Medicines, vaccines, medical devices |
| CV Equine | Specialized horse transport | Racehorses, breeding stock |
| CV Hazmat | Dangerous goods handling with DG expertise | Chemicals, lithium batteries, hazardous materials |
Key Routes via Cargolux
| Route | Typical Transit | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| China → Europe (via LUX) | 2-4 days | Daily |
| China → USA (via LUX) | 3-5 days | 5-7/week |
| USA → Europe (via LUX) | 1-3 days | Daily |
| China → Germany (via LUX) | 2-3 days | Daily |
| India → Europe (via LUX) | 2-4 days | 5/week |
Why Choose Cargolux?
747 nose-door loading: Cargolux’s Boeing 747F fleet features a hinged nose door that swings open, allowing loading of extremely long and heavy pieces — up to 30 metres long and individual items weighing over 30 tonnes. This capability is unmatched by any wide-body freighter and is essential for project cargo, oil and gas equipment, and aerospace components.
100% cargo-focused: Unlike passenger airlines that treat cargo as secondary, Cargolux’s entire operation is designed for freight. This means better cargo handling infrastructure, fewer delays from passenger operations, and ground staff who specialize exclusively in freight.
Luxembourg hub advantage: Luxembourg’s central European location provides road feeder access to France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands within hours. The airport operates 24/7 with no night flight restrictions, ensuring flexibility for late arrivals and early morning distributions.
Get Cargolux Rates
Need pricing for Cargolux routes? We provide competitive quotes for all Cargolux destinations, including project and oversized cargo.
Email: [email protected]
Other Major Cargo Airlines
- DHL Aviation
- FedEx Express
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Qatar Airways Cargo
- Lufthansa Cargo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum cargo size Cargolux can transport?
The Boeing 747-8F nose door accepts pieces up to 640 cm wide × 300 cm high × 3000+ cm long on the main deck. Individual piece weights up to 30+ tonnes can be accommodated. The total payload capacity is 137 tonnes per flight. For super-heavy or extremely long cargo, contact us for a tailored solution.
Why is Cargolux based in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s central position in Europe provides road access to major markets (Paris 3.5h, Frankfurt 2.5h, Brussels 2h, Amsterdam 4h). The airport operates 24/7 with no curfew, the government supports aviation as a key industry, and Luxembourg’s business-friendly environment makes it an ideal cargo hub. Road feeder services distribute cargo across Europe overnight.
Does Cargolux fly to my destination?
Cargolux serves 80+ destinations worldwide, with strong coverage in Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, India), North America (multiple US cities, Mexico), the Middle East, and Africa. From Luxembourg, onward connections to any European city are available via road feeder within 12-24 hours.
How does Cargolux compare to Emirates SkyCargo or Qatar Airways Cargo?
Cargolux excels in heavy and oversized cargo thanks to its 747 nose-door fleet. Emirates and Qatar offer broader destination networks via their Middle East hubs and additional belly cargo capacity. For standard freight, all three are competitive; for project cargo or pieces over 5 tonnes, Cargolux is often the best choice.