From:
Cargolux, Boeing and GE break 747-8F impasse
Boeing, General Electric and Cargolux have resolved a contractual dispute regarding the performance of its first two 747-8 freighters and plans to take delivery on 12 October, pending the approval of the cargo carrier's board of directors.
Akbar Al-Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, speaking at the delivery of the Middle Eastern carrier's 100th aircraft delivery in Everett, Washington, said the impasse had been resolved between the cargo company and General Electric over a 2.7% fuel burn shortfall in the new jets, whose remarks were confirmed by Boeing.
Qatar Airways holds a 25% stake in Cargolux, and will hold a board meeting on 6 and 7 October to confirm its acceptance of the first two of 12 GEnx-2B-powered aircraft it has on order.
Even with the postponement to 12 October, nearly a month after Cargolux rejected its first two 747-8Fs on 16 September just days before its planned delivery, the Luxembourg-based cargo hauler will very likely retain its launch customer status, receiving its first jumbo freighter ahead of Cathay Pacific Cargo and Atlas Air.