Freighter first for Manston
Manston Airport has welcomed the world’s most efficient freighter for the first time.
The Boeing 747-8 freighter is operated by Cargolux Airlines International S.A, the first airline worldwide to fly the new high-capacity aircraft. It offers the lowest operating cost and best economics of any freighter airplane on the market, while providing enhanced environmental performance.
Charles Buchanan, Chief Executive at Manston Airport, said: “Cargolux is currently operating just four of these aircraft so we are delighted that Manston will now be welcoming the state-of-the-art freighter on a regular basis.”
The first flight arrived from Nairobi bringing fresh produce and flowers for onward transport by road to distributors and wholesalers.
Richard Forson, Interim President and CEO of Cargolux Airlines, commented: “We are very proud of our new freighter and delighted that Manston has the facilities to accommodate it. With the 747-8, Cargolux will set a new benchmark in terms of quiet air cargo operations. Its noise footprint at 85 dB – which is slightly less noise than a food mixer – is reduced by about 30%, compared to its predecessor.”
Compared one on one, the new 747-8 Freighter has no competitors on the market. It can haul 134 tonnes up to 5,051 miles; is able to travel the length of 3 FIFA football fields in 1 second; could accommodate approximately 19 million ping pong balls using the main and lower cargo hold; and the tail height is 63 ft 6 in (19.5 m), equivalent to a six-story building.
Allan McQuarrie, Group Manager Freight Development at Manston Airport, said: “At Manston, a fully loaded 747 can be turned round in around 90 minutes with its cargo loaded straight onto trucks rather than into a warehouse to be moved at a later date. When moving fresh produce this can be vital as it can often add another day to a product’s shelf life. We are also in a fortunate position as the lack of congestion means there will never be a situation where an aircraft is circling for an hour unable to land.”
