Cargolux union fears Doha maintenance shop shift if Qatar takes over

LUXEMBOURG's Cargolux is considering a further take-over by its minority stake holder Qatar Airways which currently holds 35 per cent, with the Grand Duchy holding the remaining 65 per cent.

The cargo airline's union, OGBL, has raised concerns over the deal which leaked to the press as a EUR750 million (US$969 million) cash injection over a three to four-year period.

The union has demanded the government retain its majority share which in the worst-case scenario might involve Qatar Airways relocating its maintenance activities and threatening 450 jobs, said union spokesman Hubert Hollerich.

In a report with Lloyd's Loading List.com, Mr Hollerich questioned the co-incidence of the recent opening of a large hangar facility in Doha as part of a cost-cutting focus proposed by its interim CEO Richard Forson.

Mr Forson's review has suggested flight crew outsourcing and re-registering of the Cargolux craft in Qatar.

Cargolux needs to address revenue losses it was dealt in the first three months of 2012, said its chairman Albert Wildgen.

Mr Hollerich said: "While nothing has been decided, it is very worrying that those at the top at Cargolux are thinking in this direction."