Cargolux, known for operating Boeing 747 as part of its cargo fleet (15 B747-400F and 14 B747-8F), recently announced the launch of a new business unit with a different approach. Aquarius Aerial Firefighting (Aquarius AFF) will be dedicated to firefighting and will operate with significantly smaller aircraft compared to the giants that characterize the company’s main fleet.
According to information from Cargolux, the division dedicated to fighting forest fires will operate a fleet of 12 Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft, which will be acquired over a three-year period. The first three aircraft have already been delivered, with plans to be ready for deployment in May 2024.
Cargolux’s strategic move to enter the aerial firefighting sector aims to address the growing global concern related to extreme weather patterns and global warming, which contribute to devastating events such as forest fires.
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These phenomena not only represent a direct threat to human lives and natural resources but also contribute significantly to global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
By venturing into this new territory, Cargolux is taking on the responsibility of alleviating some of the capacity deficiency for aerial firefighting in Europe and other regions.
«The inauguration of Aquarius Aerial Firefighting as a new business unit of Cargolux is an exciting new chapter in the company’s history. Over the past years, we have witnessed wildfires becoming a growing global issue that requires a rapid response,» said Richard Forson, President and CEO of Cargolux.
«Not only do such fires emit significant amounts of CO2 but they pose a significant danger to lives and livelihoods. As a responsible corporate citizen I see it as our responsibility to help tackle this problem. I look forward to Aquarius Aerial Firefighting becoming an integral part of the solution,» he concluded.
