The French liner company CMA CGM expands its European air fleet through the integration of Air Belgium’s aircraft. The company, which has chosen to retain the Air Belgium brand, claims that after the acquisition of Air Belgium, 124 jobs are preserved, including 72 pilot positions and 52 operational and support staff.
The French group announced Wednesday that it has completed the transfer of assets from Air Belgium, following the approval by the Brabant Wallon Commercial Court of its binding offer for the takeover of Air Belgium’s cargo operations and the conclusion of the asset transfer agreement with the liquidator.
CMA CGM Group today operates an air cargo fleet of 9 aircraft: four Boeing 777Fs, three Airbus A330Fs, and two Boeing 747Fs. The fleet will soon be reinforced by an additional Boeing 777F and further expanded from 2027 onward with the arrival of eight Airbus A350Fs.
These aircraft operate from strategic hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium.
CMA CGM Air Cargo now operates regular services with two Boeing 777F aircraft to Hong Kong and Shanghai and one Airbus A330F to Zhengzhou.
The company has also established an air freight hub in Chicago, which currently hosts two Boeing 777F aircraft operated by Atlas Air under the CMA CGM Air Cargo brand, with three additional aircraft to be added soon.
These planes are intended to strengthen the Group’s presence on transpacific routes and support the expansion of its cargo activities in the American market.
“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,” said executive vice president of the air division at CMA CGM Group, Damien Mazaudier.
