CMA CGM Expands Airfreight Fleet with Acquisition of Air Belgium
French shipping giant CMA CGM has finalized its acquisition of Air Belgium, marking a major step in its strategy to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing airfreight sector. The deal includes four cargo aircraft, bringing CMA CGM’s total fleet to nine planes. Despite the acquisition, Air Belgium will continue to operate under its current brand, maintaining its independence while integrating into CMA CGM’s expansive logistics network.
This move underscores CMA CGM’s goal of offering seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions. Damien Mazaudier, CMA CGM’s Executive Vice President of CMA CGM Air Cargo, explained, “This acquisition is a milestone for us. It instantly increases our cargo capacity and enhances our ability to meet the rising demand for fast, reliable freight services worldwide. It also positions us to better serve our customers with flexible, scalable solutions.”
The company plans to further grow its fleet with the addition of a new Boeing 777F, which is expected to join the network soon. Looking ahead, CMA CGM has announced plans to expand its fleet significantly from 2027, with eight new Airbus A350Fs scheduled to be introduced. These aircraft are among the most modern and fuel-efficient long-haul freighters, capable of carrying large volumes of cargo over long distances, making them ideal for supporting CMA CGM’s ambitious growth plans.
Aircraft Specifications and Strategic Benefits
The Airbus A350F is renowned for its fuel efficiency and environmental performance, with lower emissions and operating costs compared to older models. It offers a maximum payload of around 109 tons and a range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles, enabling CMA CGM to serve key markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas with greater flexibility. The Boeing 777F, a widely used long-haul freighter, offers a maximum payload of about 102 tons and a range of roughly 9,200 nautical miles, making it a versatile addition to CMA CGM’s fleet.
Industry Trends and Competitive Positioning
Industry analysts see CMA CGM’s expansion as part of a broader shift toward integrated multimodal logistics. The rise of e-commerce, coupled with an increasing need for quick delivery of perishable and high-value goods, has driven carriers to invest heavily in modern aircraft and digitalized supply chains. CMA CGM’s investment aligns with this trend, aiming to provide faster, more reliable service while reducing environmental impact.
Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM Group, highlighted the strategic importance: “In today’s dynamic world, speed and agility are essential. Our investment in a modern, scalable airfreight fleet enhances our ability to meet customer demands and reinforces our leadership in global logistics. We are committed to continuous innovation to deliver best-in-class service.”
Broader Logistics Strategy
CMA CGM’s broader strategy focuses on creating a fully integrated logistics ecosystem, combining shipping, air freight, warehousing, and supply chain management. The recent expansion of its air fleet complements its existing sea freight operations and digital platforms, enabling the company to offer end-to-end solutions tailored to customer needs.
By investing in advanced aircraft and expanding its network, CMA CGM aims to improve transit times, increase capacity, and reduce reliance on third-party carriers. This approach enhances resilience against supply chain disruptions and positions CMA CGM to capitalize on the ongoing shift toward faster, more flexible logistics services across industries such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
