Cargolux has informed Boeing it will not take delivery of the 747-8F

Lord help me I am about to explode! Air India won't accept the 787 now Cargolux doesn't want the -8F now till who knows when?!

Well, Air India said no money and on airplanes that weren't even in production. This sounds like some kind of issue between Boeing and Cargolux, that 1 or both thought could be worked out at the last minute and apparently was not. What ever it was that was big enough to halt not only a delivery but a product launch was a big deal. It will be interesting to find out what it is.

Cargolux told Boeing they expected a full tanks of fuel and they did not order mag wheels, visor, sheepskin seats, granite paint protection, LoJack, or a trailer hitch.

That is shocking! Something coming up this close to delivery is sad. What ever it is it must be seen as a major show-stopper for them to reject a finished aircraft and threaten to lease from "someone else"!

Air India is in talks to cut down the orders to 17 planes instead. Its a slow process but I am sure Air India will soon work something out.

MMM HMMMM

I think they also tried to stick 'em for floor mats and undercoating.

Does not make sense (cents) to purchase a new jet to haul boxes, especially when it doesn't fly any faster than what's out there. Forget the "fuel" argument. It's all about speed. A 747-200 will do the same job for a lot less up front. Maybe someone at Cargolux finally saw the light, but I doubt it. The Euro and that part of the world is about to implode anyway.

I disagree FlyBoy, it is all about the fuel costs. The planes don't last forever so they must be replaced. When was the last 74-2 made? You need new. The cargo boys keep them in the air, so they need new more often. The new 74-8 not only has a fuel advantage, but it holds more, volume and weight. The bottom line is the most important consideration.

SHOW THEM THE CARFAX.... er um, plane fax...

I suspect that if one were to scratch a bit beneath the surface, this is likely due to Cargolux operational issues...

Look for the cause. Is anyone mad at Boeing? Have they failed to follow orders? Is Boeing being spanked by way of India?

Hmm, they were the luanch customer right? oh well, let's hope Lufthansa still wants their 10 747-8i's

According to the article, Qatar Air has bought a large stake in Cargolux and is a 787 future operator and the sticking point is late-delivery charges. Qatar/Cargolux should leverage those charges w/future orders/options w/Boeing. Problem solved!

AL Baker joined Cargolux board the the day before delivery of the 747-8f. He is known for his attention getting antics. In this case he wants a mega discount on his Boeing 787 late delivery for Qatar Airlines which he owns.

I guess if you have more money than god, one can play this game.

don't blame the customer, it's unfair and it was to expected that a design almost over 40 years old to be major revamped asked for trouble.