On 07 September 2017 members of the ALPL Cargolux Divisional Board, the ALPL Executive Board and the National President of the LCGB met with François Bausch, Minister for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, to clarify urgent questions about the strategy of Cargolux in terms of Henan Cargo Airlines (HCA) and the possible benefits or disadvantages for Cargolux and its staff.
Regarding the economic situation of Cargolux, Minister Bausch believed a positive outlook was possible for the 2017 annual results. He further assessed the partnership with Emirates Sky Cargo as constructive. He distinctly dismissed any internal rumors that Emirates Sky Cargo wanted to end the partnership.
Cargolux’s zig-zag course concerning the Chinese-Luxembourgish joint venture HCA is, however, irritating. LCGB and ALPL raised various questions relating to the impact on the maintenance center and the pilots. In particular, the ancillary agreements, pilot training and a possible placement of Cargolux pilots at HCA and the possible reduction of the fleet size due to possible aircraft transfers to HCA. As numerous questions remain unanswered, Minister Bausch stated that it currently would be difficult to assess the development of the partnership and the possible contribution options for Cargolux. An active participation by means of transferring 3 aircraft to HCA is just one of many options.
Your representatives made it clear that the current fleet size of Cargolux will have to be maintained even in case of a transfer of aircraft from Cargolux to the Henan Cargo Airline. Additionally, ALPL and LCGB have no doubt that growth must also be generated at Cargolux in order to permanently secure the company’s existence as well as the jobs in Luxembourg.
Minister Bausch assured that due to structural and personnel changes in the HNCA shareholder, no profound changes could be expected for the fleet size before the end of 2019.
It was underlined by your ALPL and LCGB representatives, that urgent solutions must be found and that it is important to send a clear message to the staff at Cargolux. Regular meetings with employee representatives and making transparent important information is indispensable in order to avoid wild speculations and uncertainties.
