CMA CGM Air Cargo is the air-freight division and cargo airline of the CMA CGM Group, a global shipping and logistics company. Launched in 2021, it adds dedicated freighter capacity to the group's maritime services and the forwarding network of CEVA Logistics.[1]
Creation
CMA CGM announced its air-cargo division in February 2021 and launched operations in March with four Airbus A330-200F aircraft. The move was part of a strategy to offer customers sea, air, road and contract-logistics services within the same group.[2]
Initial flying was undertaken with partner-airline support. In 2022 CMA CGM Air Cargo became a French freight airline certified by the Direction générale de l'aviation civile, with its own hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.[1]
Network and commercial role
Paris Charles de Gaulle connects the airline with one of Europe's largest cargo markets and with CEVA Logistics' forwarding network. Services have linked Europe with destinations in Asia, North America and the Middle East. Schedules can be adjusted around high-value, time-sensitive and supply-chain-critical goods.
Air freight complements rather than replaces the group's container shipping business. A customer can use aircraft for urgent or valuable parts, ocean services for high-volume cargo and CEVA for warehousing, customs and inland distribution. CMA CGM presents the airline as a strategic part of this end-to-end logistics offer.[1]
Fleet
The operation began with Airbus A330-200F aircraft, each able to carry about 60 tonnes. Boeing 777F aircraft were then added for higher payload and longer-range missions. CMA CGM's official overview states that the fleet was planned to comprise one A330-200F and four 777Fs by the end of 2025.[1]
The group has also ordered eight Airbus A350F aircraft and is a launch customer for the type. The A350F is intended to provide a payload exceeding 100 tonnes with lower fuel use, noise and emissions than older-generation large freighters.[1]
Position in the group
CMA CGM Air Cargo is unusual because its parent is primarily associated with container shipping rather than an airline or parcel integrator. The division gives the group direct control of scarce long-haul air capacity and allows it to combine maritime scale with faster aviation options.
The airline remains a comparatively young operator, and its network and fleet have changed rapidly since launch. Its development reflects a wider move by major logistics groups to control more of the transport chain instead of relying entirely on third-party airlines.