Cargolux hits record freighter utilization

   Cargolux said it reached a record utilization rate for its nine Boeing 747-400 freighters during the first week of April.
   The 747-400s averaged 17 hours and 23 minutes of daily use, while the carrier’s nine 747-8 freighters averaged 16 hours and 29 minutes each day. The carrier placed another order for a 747-8 in February, taking its total of on-order -8s to 14.
   In a press release, officials emphasized that the carrier “is constantly striving for high asset productivity.”
   This high utilization was achieved during a period of turnover for the all-cargo operator. On March 26, the company announced that Dirk Reich, who most recently served as executive vice president at Kuehne + Nagel, would take over as chief executive officer. Richard Forson had been filling the role in an interim position since the departure of Frank Reiman, who is now Luxembourg’s high commissioner for national protection, in August 2012.
   Replacements are still needed for former Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Robert van de Weg, and former Chief Operating Officer Peter van de Pas, both of whom resigned in January.