CMA CGM moves to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions
CMA CGM has signed a preliminary agreement aiming to strengthen its aircraft maintenance capabilities and support the continued expansion of its air cargo business.
Photo: Joost Alexander
The CMA CGM Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, a company specialising in maintenance services for both cargo and passenger aircraft, as part of its strategy to expand its air freight operations.
Crystal Aero Solutions operates from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and also maintains a presence in Brussels and Liege. The company provides line and light maintenance services that are critical to ensuring aircraft operational readiness and availability. In addition to supporting airlines and third-party operators, it carries out international engine support operations, particularly across Africa and Asia.
The company has been a maintenance partner of CMA CGM AIR CARGO since 2024 and already contributes to the upkeep of the carrier's fleet.
According to CMA CGM, the planned acquisition will strengthen its in-house aircraft maintenance capabilities, support the continued growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, improve fleet availability, and expand the Group's operational footprint across key European aviation hubs.
Launched in March 2021, CMA CGM AIR CARGO forms a key part of the CMA CGM Group’s strategy to provide integrated sea, land, air, and logistics services through a comprehensive multimodal transport network. The air cargo division enables the Group to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions tailored to customer requirements, including last-mile delivery services.
CMA CGM AIR CARGO currently operates a fleet of eight freighter aircraft comprising five Boeing 777Fs, one Airbus A330F, and two Boeing 747Fs. The fleet is set to expand further from 2027 with the planned delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs.
The carrier's aircraft operate from strategic hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium, providing connectivity across major global air cargo corridors and supporting the continued growth of the Group's logistics operations.
The proposed acquisition is expected to mark a new stage of growth for Crystal Aero Solutions by providing access to the global reach, resources, and operational network of the CMA CGM Group.
Under the agreement, Crystal Aero Solutions is expected to benefit from new business opportunities, operational synergies, and expanded access to international markets, supporting its ambition to strengthen its position among leading aircraft maintenance providers.
Despite becoming part of the CMA CGM Group, Crystal Aero Solutions will continue to operate as an independent maintenance services provider, serving its existing customer base, including airlines and third-party operators.
The company will also retain its current management team, which will oversee the next phase of development and support the continued expansion of its maintenance activities.
Damien MAZAUDIER, Senior Vice President of the Air Division of the CMA CGM Group, said: “This transaction marks a new milestone in the development of our air freight activities. As our fleet continues to grow, we will be able to rely on the expertise and know-how of Crystal Aero Solutions’ teams to support our operations across several strategic platforms and support the continued growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO. We are also pleased to support the continued growth of Crystal Aero Solutions while preserving its position as an independent provider serving all of its customers.”
