Cargolux said one of its Boeing 747-400ERF freighters will be sporting a brand-new retro livery to celebrate its 50 years of operations. 

The aircraft (LX-NCL) design is inspired by the look of Cargolux’s first airplanes in the 1970s, which combines “vintage visual with the iconic lines of the jumbo jet”.

"Its unique design celebrates the airline’s 50 years of existence," the freighter said. "This duality perfectly depicts Cargolux; rooted in its pioneering history while remaining resolutely geared towards the future."

The aircraft is expected to land in the Grand Duchy, Luxembourg where the carrier is headquartered, at 15:45 BST (16:45 local time) today.

The airline’s initial fleet comprised Canadair CL-44 swing-tail freighters; unique models that were quickly complemented by the Douglas DC-8 as the company moved into the jet age.