CMA CGM Air Cargo accelerates development with three B777Fs

CMA CGM Air Cargo will begin operating a transpacific route connecting Asia to North America in summer 2024.

"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," says an official release.

The first B777-200F will serve airports in Hong Kong, Chicago and Seoul, the release added. "The second will connect mainland China to North America. Flights will be operated by Atlas Air."

CMA CGM Air Cargo will take delivery of the third B777-200F in the first quarter of 2025. "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 the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which will come into effect from 2028."

Within three years of launch, CMA CGM Air Cargo offers regular flights (12 departures per week from Paris to Greater China and India), charter flights and chartering for third-party companies, the release added.

Boeing failed to deliver a single 777 freighter in the first quarter of 2024 due to safety concerns and issues with GE on engine production. Boeing made the first delivery of the B777F in 2024 to Eva Air last week. Boeing made the second delivery of B777F for 2024 to Qatar Airways on April 15.

Boeing has some 55 orders for the 777F, and around 14 airlines are waiting for the 777F including Air China Cargo, Qatar Cargo, Lufthansa and EVA Air.

Boeing’s woes spread from its 737 and 787 lines to the 777 freighter segment. It produced six 777-200Fs in March, but none could be delivered and they joined five others sitting at Boeing’s facility in Everett, waiting for engines, Loadstar reported.

“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," says Damien Mazaudier, CEO, CMA CGM Air Cargo. "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.”

The CMA CGM Air Cargo fleet consists of two B777F and three A330F, the release added. Out of the three A330F, two are chartered to a third party while the third operates between Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Mumbai and Guangzhou three times a week.

While CMA CGM Air Cargo operates only one A330F, the other two are operated by Turkish Cargo. The fourth aircraft (when it was launched) has been sold to MNG Airlines.