"We appreciate the commitment by Cargolux to this region's freight hauling capacity by placing this historic aircraft into service right here at Sea-Tac," said Mark Reis, Managing Director of Sea-Tac Airport. "This investment by our freight partner highlights the capabilities of Sea-Tac's air cargo service as an economic engine to our entire region."
Each year an estimated $15 billion worth of air freight is exported through Sea-Tac; another $5 billion is imported. Air freight shipped through Sea-Tac is related to 136,201 jobs representing over $8.1 billion in wages and salaries and $737 million in state and local taxes.
Cargolux is one of Sea-Tac's longest serving cargo carriers who began in 1983. Servicing the world through their home base in Luxembourg, Cargolux is one of two main deck freighter services out of Sea-Tac to Europe. In 2010, Cargolux shipped 8,796 metric tons of cargo through Sea-Tac.
The 747-8 Freighter is the new high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 250 feet, 2 inches'long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor. That translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets.
Cargolux is one of the leading cargo airlines worldwide, operating scheduled and charter services on a network covering all continents. The company offers over 40 years of experience and, measured in tonne-kilometers flown, today ranks in 9th position worldwide. In Europe, Cargolux is the largest all-cargo airline.
The Port of Seattle Fire Department honored the inaugural arrival with a traditional water salute over the top of the aircraft.
