On March 19, Boeing announced that launch customer Cargolux has placed a follow-on order for three Boeing 747-8 Freighters, valued at US$845 million at list prices, and added two options. This brings the Luxembourg-based cargo operator's total 747-8 Freighter order to 13 airplanes, two options and 10 purchase rights.

"The outstanding economics of the 747-8 Freighter was decisive in its selection as the centerpiece of our future fleet," said Uli Ogiermann, chief executive officer of Cargolux. "Equally important was the environmental performance of this airplane. With 15 percent reduction in emissions and a 30 percent reduction in noise, Cargolux is taking action today for tomorrow's world."

With the new 747-8 Program, Boeing is leveraging the technologies from the 787 Dreamliner to further its commitment to creating environmentally preferred commercial jetliners. The new GEnx engines, originally designed for the highly fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner, allow dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions and durability with significantly less noise and weight than today's engines.

"The momentum in the market for the 747-8 Freighter continues with this follow-on order from our valued customer Cargolux," said Marlin Dailey, vice president Sales, Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 Freighter takes the best elements of the 747 and incorporates the latest and most advanced technologies to make it a perfect choice for freighter operators in the large airplane market segment."