CMA CGM AIR CARGO will begin operating a transpacific route connecting Asia to North America in summer 2024. The launch on a strategic air freight route marks the acceleration of CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s development.
To ensure service to new destinations, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will take possession of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft this year. The first aircraft, scheduled for delivery in June, will enable operations to begin on the transpacific route during the summer in anticipation of peak season. The second aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on the transpacific route.
The first B777-200F will serve airports in Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul. The second will connect mainland China to North America. Flights will be operated by Atlas Air.
A rapidly expanding fleet for a company with global ambitions
Adding these two new aircraft to the fleet and deploying them on the transpacific route constitutes a new milestone in CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s network expansion strategy and paves the way for further developments in the coming months.
In the first quarter of 2025, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will take delivery of a third B777-200F, which will strengthen the fleet by extending its reach and available capacity for its customers.
In 2026, the delivery of eight Airbus A350F aircraft will enable CMA CGM AIR CARGO to operate a global network, meeting the global logistics needs of air freight customers.
As the launch customer for the cargo version of the A350, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has opted for the most environmentally efficient aircraft on the market, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable transport. The A350F model stands out for a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its direct competitors. The A350F will also be the only large freighter capable of meeting the CO2 standards established by ICAO, which will come into effect from 2028.
A recognized expert cargo company known for the quality of its services and its agility
Just three years after its launch, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has developed recognized expertise in the three main air transport solutions: regular flights (12 departures per week from Paris to Greater China and India), charter flights, and chartering for third-party companies. These solutions are support by a fleet made up of the leading aircraft on the market and a strong team of air freight experts.
CMA CGM AIR CARGO, with its own booking system and dedicated commercial teams, offers a complete range of solutions for the transportation of sensitive products, such as hazardous goods, temperature-controlled cargo, perishables, live animals and high-value products.
Currently, the CMA CGM AIR CARGO fleet consists of 2 B777F and 3 A330F, which are based at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub.
The two B777F aircraft operate connections between Europe and Greater China: 5 flights per week to Hong Kong and 4 flights per week to Shanghai.
For the three A330F in the fleet today, two are chartered for a third party, while the third operates connections between Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Mumbai, and Guangzhou three times a week.
Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, says, “Our expansion into the Transpacific Lane marks a turning point in the company’s history by connecting a new continent to our network and aligns with the ambition of the CMA CGM Group to offer a range of solutions to its customers. This lane opening will enable us to offer even more destinations to our customers on major routes. Today’s announcement represents a new step in the development of our business, which we aim to make global, and will take another step forward again in 2026 with the arrival of the A350F, the most environmentally friendly aircraft on the market.”
Source: Hellenic Shipping News
