In a significant development, CMA CGM and Air France-KLM have decided to terminate their air cargo alliance.
The partnership, established in May 2022 concurrently with CMA CGM becoming a shareholder of Air France-KLM, would aim to capitalize on the growing demand for freight transportation worldwide.
The decision to end the alliance stems from a row over flight slots at Amsterdam airport, an issue that has cast doubt on regulatory approval, particularly in the crucial US market.
The companies released a joint statement citing the “tight regulatory environment in certain important markets” as an obstacle to their cooperation. As a result, Air France-KLM and CMA CGM have announced their withdrawal from existing agreements, effective from 31 March 2024.
As the companies part ways in their air cargo venture, they are engaged in discussions about the terms of future cooperation as independent operators in the industry.
Despite the termination of the cargo alliance, CMA CGM will maintain its status as a core shareholder of Air France-KLM. However, the Marseille-based company will step down from the board of Air France-KLM on 31 March.