The upgrade of the T2 taxi rank commences this week as part of a program to improve ground transport arrangements in Sydney Airport’s domestic precinct.

    T2 is the domestic terminal used by Jetstar, Virgin, Tiger Airways, QantasLink and other regional airlines. 

    Cargolux, destined to be the launch airline of the first new-generation 747-8 Freighter, has put that plan on hold as its board has refused to accept the aircraft citing "contractual issues."

    According to sources, the deal has been put on ice because the fuel burn of the GE-manufactured turbines was not in accordance with the performance guaranteed by Boeing to Cargolux when the order for the B747-8Fs was placed, reports Atlanta-based Air Cargo News/Flying Typers. Consequently, the cargo carrier has put the finance on hold for the new freighter.

    Sources were cited as saying that the Qatar Airways faction within the Cargolux board of directors was to blame for putting the brakes on the deal. Last June Qatar Airways purchased 35 per cent of Cargolux from local Luxembourg banks and financial institutions.

    The report noted that the Boeing 747-8 freighter won certification last month from the US Federal Aviation Administration to commence commercial service. The aircraft manufacturer has so far suffered a reported US$2.04 billion cost overrun as the aircraft is two years behind schedule for its original release date.

    To make matters worse, the guest of honour of a planned three-day party to celebrate the launch of the B747-8F is now refusing to attend, adding further embarrassment to Boeing.

    "We continue to work with Cargolux and look forward to delivering its airplanes," a Boeing statement said.

    "In the event that the issues cannot be resolved in a timely manner, Cargolux will source alternative capacity to fully meet customer demand and expectations ahead of the traditional high season," the company said.

(source:http://www.transportweekly.com/)