CMA CGM Group plans to develop a new air cargo hub in Chicago and deploy its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters to expand US air cargo capacity and meet airfreight demand in the region.
The plans are part of a $20bn investment initiative in US maritime transportation, logistics and supply chain capabilities over the next four years, said CMA CGM in a press release.
“Anchored by a new hub in Chicago, the Group will deploy five new Boeing 777 freighters, operated by American pilots, to strengthen US trade and connectivity and ensure the reliable transport of critical and time-sensitive goods,” said CMA CGM.
CMA CGM Air Cargo currently operates four freighters; three Boeing 777Fs, plus a single Airbus A330F that is currently parked for maintenance. In the short term, two more 777Fs are expected to be delivered to the airline.
The airline has also ordered eight Airbus A350Fs, although Airbus has recently pushed back the entry-into-service date of its A350F to the second half of 2027.
CMA CGM Air Cargo previously had plans for fewer aircraft, but revised its fleet investment goals following the breakdown of its partnership with Air France KLM.
In addition to investing in airfreight, CMA CGM’s plans include growing the fleet and employees of its US container shipping company American President Lines (APL); developing port infrastructure in key locations across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston, and Miami; developing warehousing and automotive logistics platforms; and opening a new logistics research and development hub in Boston that will focus on advanced robotics and automation solutions.
Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive of CMA CGM Group, said: ”I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the US through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities.
“Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our US-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago.
”This will create 10,000 new American jobs and further strengthen our partnership with American customers and public authorities.”