Cargolux
Luxembourg’s specialist all-cargo airline, operating scheduled and charter freight services worldwide with a fleet built around Boeing 747 freighters.
About Cargolux
Cargolux Airlines International was founded in Luxembourg in 1970 and has developed into one of Europe’s best-known dedicated cargo carriers. It operates under the Cargolux name with the IATA code CV and ICAO code CVA. The airline is owned by a combination of Luxembourg-based public and institutional shareholders and Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group of China.
The airline’s primary hub is Luxembourg Airport, whose cargo facilities support connections between Europe and markets across Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is an important second hub within its network. Cargolux combines scheduled services with charter operations and road-feeder links that extend its reach beyond airports.
Cargolux operates an all-Boeing 747 freighter fleet comprising 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft. These wide-body freighters are designed for long-range cargo missions and can handle outsized shipments through their distinctive nose-loading doors. As a cargo-only airline, Cargolux does not offer passenger cabins, seating classes, carry-on baggage or conventional onboard service.
Cargolux is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, as those alliances are primarily structured around passenger airlines. It also has no passenger frequent-flyer programme. Commercial benefits and service arrangements are instead directed toward freight forwarders, logistics companies and other cargo customers, with products covering general freight, temperature-sensitive goods, live animals and specialist shipments.
A major strength is the airline’s concentration on heavy, large and operationally complex cargo, supported by the capacity and loading flexibility of the Boeing 747. Luxembourg’s central European location also facilitates onward trucking connections. The trade-off for travellers is fundamental: Cargolux is not a passenger airline, so its scheduled routes cannot normally be booked as personal air travel despite appearing in aviation databases and flight-tracking services.
Good to know
Flying with Cargolux — what to expect
Cargo Flights Only
Cargolux is a dedicated freight carrier and does not sell ordinary passenger tickets. Its published schedules refer to cargo operations rather than bookable passenger services.
No Cabin Baggage
Passenger carry-on allowances do not apply because the airline has no passenger cabin. Shipment acceptance, packaging and documentation requirements depend on the cargo product booked.
Luxembourg Cargo Hub
Most of the network is centred on Luxembourg Airport, with road-feeder services connecting cargo to additional European markets. Zhengzhou is also a significant hub for the airline’s Asian operations.
Specialist Freight Handling
The Boeing 747 fleet can accommodate heavy and outsized freight, including cargo loaded through the aircraft’s nose door. Restricted, dangerous or temperature-sensitive goods require advance arrangements and appropriate documentation.
Schedules May Vary
Cargo routings and frequencies can change with demand, operating permissions and logistics requirements. Confirm current schedules and shipment cut-off times directly with Cargolux or an appointed freight forwarder.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Cargolux
Notable destinations on Cargolux's network.
CVLuxembourgdirectCVZhengzhoudirectCVHong KongdirectCVChicagodirectCVLos AngelesdirectCVMiamidirectCVHoustondirectCVMexico CitydirectCVDubaidirectCVMilandirectCVBudapestdirectCVNairobidirectDestination list is indicative of Cargolux's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Luxembourg
Other airlines based in Luxembourg
FAQ
Cargolux — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Cargolux operates long-haul intercontinental sectors with Boeing 747 freighters, but its longest scheduled route can change as the network and operational stops are adjusted. Current routing details should be checked in the airline’s cargo schedule.
- Cargolux has no passenger carry-on allowance because it operates cargo aircraft rather than passenger flights. Freight must comply with the airline’s shipment dimensions, packaging rules and handling requirements.
- Cargolux serves dozens of cargo destinations worldwide, but the total changes as schedules, charter activity and market demand evolve. Its road-feeder network also reaches cities that are not served directly by its aircraft.
- Cargolux operates cargo services linking Luxembourg with destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Its network includes major freight centres such as Zhengzhou, Hong Kong, Chicago, Miami and Dubai.
- Cargolux’s primary hub is Luxembourg Airport. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport also serves as an important hub for its cargo network in China.
- Cargolux does not sell regular passenger plane tickets. Cargo pricing depends on factors such as shipment weight, volume, commodity, route, handling needs and available capacity.
- Luxembourg Airport is the principal departure point for Cargolux operations. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is another major base, while large cargo stations such as Hong Kong and Chicago also generate substantial activity.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. However, Cargolux is a cargo-only airline, so ordinary passenger fares on Cargolux-operated flights are generally unavailable.