Cargolux announced last week that its subsidiary, Luxcargo Handling S.A. (LCH), had won the tender to carry out Luxair’s ramp and warehouse handling activities at Luxembourg Airport. It was awarded a license to also allow it to handle third party airlines.
Richard Forson, Cargolux President & CEO, explained: “The takeover of Luxair’s ramp and warehouse handling services by LCH, is a great opportunity for Cargolux to strengthen its position in the air cargo industry and to further enhance its service offering to its customers. LCH also looks forward to continuing the relationship Luxair had with other airlines besides Cargolux. We look forward to commencing operations in 2024. Cargolux’ and Luxair’s cargo ramp and warehouse handling teams have been working hand in hand for decades and I am confident that the transition will proceed smoothly.”
Interestingly, whilst Forson is convinced the transition will be smooth, the Luxembourg Times warned on the same day, of a possible delay in transition, since it was still not clear what would happen to Luxair staff. “Unions concerned after ministry awards cargo ground handling licenses,” was the title of the article, summarizing: “Transportation Minister Yuriko Backes has given licenses to Luxcargo Handling SA, a six-month-old subsidiary of state-owned freight airline Cargolux, and Goldair Handling SA [whilst] unions say some 1,200 employees at the [Luxair] cargo center continue to be completely in the dark about their future.” Should the situation continue, there is a risk that employees will strike [again]. The unions therefore want Beckes to intervene, since the State holds a share in both Luxair and Cargolux. Trouble has been brewing ever since SEP23, when Luxair stated that it would not be tendering for the for new ground handling cargo licenses, this time. Its staff are therefore waiting for answers as to their fate once the transfer of ground handling operations to Luxcargo Handling is complete.
