CMA CGM Air Cargo has expanded via the acquisition of Air Belgium’s cargo operations.
The deal brings its fleet to nine aircraft, with a further nine on order. And CMA has pledged to retain the Belgian brand, along with 124 jobs out of 400 or so, including 74 pilots.
CMA said: “The expertise of these teams is a key asset in developing a high-performing service that meets market expectations”. It added that the aircraft would continue to operate out of Belgium.
China’s Hongyuan Group acquired 49% of Air Belgium in 2022, which operated its four aircraft on Hongyuan’s behalf. However, two A330-200Fs have been parked since February, according to aircraft data, while the two 747-8Fs continue to operate between Brussels, Dubai and Chengdu.
It is not clear how long the contract is, or whether CMA will continue to operate the aircraft on Hongyuan’s behalf. CMA did not respond to requests for comment.
CMA, via its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle, operates services with two 777Fs between Hong Kong and Shanghai and one A330F to Zhengzhou. It also has a hub in Chicago, where Atlas Air operates its two other 777Fs, plying routes to Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
A further three aircraft are destined for the transpacific services. Alongside Air Belgium’s two A330Fs and two 747-8Fs, CMA also has a 777F on order, and eight A350Fs, which should deliver in 2026 and 2027.
The acquisition significantly boosts CMA’s role as an air cargo player – although forwarders have often expressed concern that they would prefer not to use a carrier with such close ties to Ceva Logistics.
It propels CMA way ahead of MSC Air Cargo, which uses Atlas Air to operate its five 777Fs. Maersk, which had a head start among the shipping airlines via its integrator-focused Star Air, now operates some 16 767Fs and two 777Fs.
Damien Mazaudier, EVP air for CMA CGM Group, said: “The acquisition of Air Belgium marks an important step in the expansion of the CMA CGM group’s air freight operations in Europe and worldwide. It immediately strengthens our air capacity while addressing current logistical challenges. By preserving skilled jobs and accelerating the development of our network, this operation demonstrates our commitment to our customers and our ability to anticipate market evolutions.”
The takeover of Air Belgium’s assets was approved by a Belgian court, after it blocked initial approval of a bid by Air One and Dutch group Peso Aviation, citing delays.
