Cargolux goes firefighting!

The Luxembourg based company has recently introduced a new subsidiary, the Aquarius Aerial Firefighting business unit. This new chapter in Cargolux’s history is a diversification of activities for the all-cargo carrier. This unit aims to provide assistance in the fight against devastating wildfires that threaten natural resources and human lives, and significantly contribute to global CO2 emissions worldwide.

According to sources at the online news service RTL Today, Cargolux is investing USD 72 million to buy twelve Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft, to be based at Luxembourg’s Findel Airport. The first two aircraft of the new Aquarius fleet were delivered to Luxembourg on 22 December 2023. One of the machines is a single seater, while the second one is a two seater Fire Boss. Both are Spanish registered.

The decision to step into aerial firefighting can be a lucrative one, as there is currently still a world-wide shortage of waterbombers. And although the European Union has ordered a dozen of Canadair amphibians, to be stationed in southern European states like Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, these will not be delivered before 2027.

Photo: Cargolux