Cargolux introduces retro livery on 747

Luxembourg’s Cargolux has painted one of its Boeing 747s in a special, retro livery, as part of the carrier’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

LX-NCL featuring its new retro colours as part of Cargolux's 50th anniversary celebrations. Photo by Cargolux.

The aircraft is registered LX-NCL and was ferried to Shannon in Ireland for painting on 29 June. The carrier says the scheme was “inspired by the design that Cargolux's first airplanes bore in the 70s.” The aircraft is expected to return to the carrier’s hub at 16:45 local time in Luxembourg.

The aircraft was painted by International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) in Shannon. IAC has completed similar projects in the past, including the Rossiya 'Tiger' livery which features on one of the carrier's Boeing 747 aircraft. The company also completed the "Her Art Here – New York/New Jersey" and "Her Art Here – California" liveries on United Boeing 757s.

Cargolux began operations with a fleet of Canadair CL-44 freighter aircraft. Soon after, the carrier took delivery of Douglas DC-8 aircraft, paving the way for the jet age.

Cargolux was founded on 4 March, 1970 by Luxair, Luxembourg's current flag carrier. The latter has remained a shareholder ever since, currently holding a majority 35.10% stake. Cargolux currently operates a fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft including both 747-400s and 747-8 aircraft. Cargolux says it is Europe's biggest cargo-only airline.