1978 – Direct service to Taiwan
In July 1978, Cargolux started direct service to Taiwan with the DC-8-63F.

1979 – Cargolux makes the first European cargo flight to Cambodia:
In 1979, Cargolux was the first European airline to fly into Phnom Penh in Cambodia, with relief goods.

1980 – First 747 to Sweden :
In November 1980, Cargolux was the first airline to operate a B747 freighter into Sweden, when it landed in Malmö to collect 300 breeding pigs, destined for Taipei in Taiwan.

1982 – The lean years:
The early 1980s will certainly be remembered as the years of struggling for survival in Cargolux’s history.

1981 was a difficult year of operation, caused by the continuing upward spiraling of the fuel prices and escalating financing cost. At this time, the company had in its possession the most efficient cargo aircraft existing in the world, but the demand for air transport had not grown at the previous rate – yet the availability of widebody and belly capacity had increased tremendously.

In the latter part of 1981, Cargolux became more affected by the economic situation and the exploding interest rates. A program of measures was initiated at the end of 1982 to strengthen the company by restructuring its financial basis and organization. The government bank, Société Nationale de Crédits et d'Investissements (SNCI), became the new shareholder of Cargolux in parity with other Luxembourg banks such as BCEE, BGL, BIL and the Kreditbank. Mr. Sten Grotenfelt was appointed new President and CEO of the company.

Despite this difficult time of reorganization, Cargolux managed to strengthen its commercial activities and secured its strong Far East activities by an extension of a joint venture with China Airlines. This, combined with a strong North American market, brought the daily utilization of the B747 to an average of 13 hours. The DC-8-63s were extensively utilized for ad hoc charters and leasing to other carriers.

1983 - Cargolux goes to the Golden West:
In September 1983, Cargolux started its weekend 747-freighter service to San Francisco and Seattle, which was increased to a twice-weekly service in early 1984. The West Coast service complemented the present services in the States to Miami, Houston and New York.

Throughout the years, Cargolux developed into a reliable Europe – U.S. west coast carrier, serving the San Francisco and Seattle areas and significantly pioneering the development of the SEA-AIR service to Europe from the west coast.

1984 – DC-8s phased out:
The two remaining DC8-63s (TF-BCV and TF-CCV) are phased out at the year end.

1985 – New service to Japan:
In October 1985, Cargolux inaugurated its service to Fukuoka, Japan, this operation being integrated as a major part of the company’s Far East services.

1986 – Record profit:
Cargolux announces an after tax profit of more than 11 million USD.

1987 – Lufthansa takes share in Cargolux:
Lufthansa obtained a 24.5 percent stake in Cargolux capital and Luxair increased their share in Cargolux from 10 percent to 24.53 percent. The Salén Shipping Company sold its shares.

1989 – Inauguration of Canada flights:
The joint venture agreement with China Airlines is increased in frequency to tow flights per week. A full service between Luxembourg and Canada was introduced in October 1989, to Montreal and Edmonton. Cargolux was the only widebody all-cargo carrier between Europe and Edmonton.

1990 – Cargolux contracts for six B747-400Fs:
In 1990, Cargolux signs a contract for 3 B747-400 freighters with options for three more, thus being the first airline to operation this new aircraft. With the purchase of this aircraft type, the company underlined its determination to secure the most advanced technology aircraft and thereby provide its clients with service excellence and reliability.

The aircraft are powered with General Electric’s fuel efficient CV6-80C2 engines.

1992 – Cargolux lands in Shenzhen Airport in P.R. China:
On 8 November 1992, Cargolux is the first foreign airline, cargo or passenger, to land in Shenzhen Airport in P.R. China.

1993 – Delivery of the first 747-400:
In November 1993, Cargolux took delivery of world’s first 747-400 freighter to gon into revenue operation. On its maiden flight from Seattle to Luxembourg, it was loaded with 116 tons of cargo.

The second 747-400 was delivered to Cargolux in December 1993 and the third in September 1995.

1995 – Fourth B747-400F ordered:
In June 1995, the decision was taken to acquire a further B747-400F for delivery in end of 1995.

1996 – Cargolux joins AEA and IATA:
In 1996, Cargolux joined the Association of European Airlines and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

1996 – White Rhino flies Cargolux:
Another VIP passenger joined the growing list of satisfied Cargolux customers. The airline was one of the main sponsors to support the repatriation of a white rhino from Germany to South Africa. The animal, born in a safari park outside of Africa, was the first of its kind to be flown back to its natural home. The project was organized by the Serengeti Safari Park in Hodenhagen, Germany, which presented the rhinoceros to the Etoshia Park in Namibia.

1997 – SAir Logistics acquires shareholding in Cargolux:
In September 1997, SAir Logistics AG acquired the 24.5 per cent Lufthansa shares in Cargolux.

1997 – Another 5 747-400s ordered
October 1997, saw the company doing the biggest investment ever done in the company’s history, the order of another 5 747-400Fs.

1998 – B747-200Fs phased out
In line with Cargolux’s decision to become an all B747-400F operator by the year 2000, the last three B747-200Fs are sold.

1999 – New regular air cargo services to Australia and New Zealand
In September 1999, Cargolux inaugurated a new regular service to Australia and New Zealand.

1999 – Fleet grows to ten B747-400F
In November 1999, Cargolux took delivery of its 10th B747-400F from Boeing.

2000 – Cargolux pioneers freighter simulator
In February 2000, Cargolux took into operation the world’s first simulator for the B747-400 freighter.

2005 - Cargolux orders all-new B747-8F
On 15 November, Cargolux announces its decision to order 10 next-generation Boeing B747-8F and becomes, together with Japanese carrier NCA, the launch customer of this new aircraft type. The B747-8F will incorporate many of the technological advances of the B787 passenger aircraft. It will carry up to 140 tonnes of freight while being up to 16% more fuel efficient than the B747-400F. First deliveries of the B747-8F are scheduled for 2009.