MSC buys majority stake in AlisCargo

MSC has acquired a majority stake in AlisCargo, a Milan-based air freight carrier.

"The acquisition is a step towards expanding MSC's air cargo solution capabilities, and ultimately providing our customers with a quality and consistent offering," says Jannie Davel, SVP, Air Cargo, MSC in his LinkedIn post.

The only Italian intercontinental air cargo company, AlisCargo Airlines was founded in 2021 based on a project by Domenico Alcide Leali, former founder of Air Dolomiti, which was acquired by Lufthansa in 2003.

The transaction is a first step towards the acquisition of 100 percent of AlisCargo Airlines by MSC, expected to happen at the beginning of 2024, once AlisCargo Airlines will restart operations with the delivery of a Boeing 777F, according to a statement from MSC.

"We have chosen as our base Milan Malpensa airport, which, by virtue of its strategic location and the large road network, enables us to rapidly reach all of southern Europe with the headquarters of Italian and European freight forwarders and logistic operators.

"The long-term objectives of AlisCargo Airlines include support for the expansion of the ‘Made in Italy’ label around the world with Italian technical-logistic services and the creation of a cargo company in Southern Europe to serve the region’s countries."

The AlisCargo Airlines fleet currently consists of four Boeing 777 200ER P2F aircraft used both for aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance (ACMI) service and as cargo charters. ch-aviation data, however, shows AlisCargo currently has no aircraft in its fleet, according to a report by Italy 24 Press.

As a European airline, AlisCargo Airlines holds EASA Airworthiness Certification.

"I am equally proud that we have found a partner that shares a common vision with us and has built a strong foundation for which we hope to further develop," says Davel.

“I am proud to see a group like MSC entering as a major shareholder of AlisCargo Airlines and developing further the project that Leali Group has initiated," says Giacomo Manzon, General Manager, AlisCargo Airlines. "I am thankful for MSC’s trust in us, and we will work hard together to make it a success story.”

MSC, a global leader in transportation and logistics, launched MSC Air Cargo in September 2022, and signed an ACMI agreement with Atlas Air to operate four new Boeing 777-200F aircraft.

Atlas Air recently took delivery of the second new Boeing 777-200 freighter, which it will operate on behalf of MSC as part of the earlier agreement.

MSC is currently offering around-the-world service to airports such as Mexico City, Indianapolis, Liege, Seoul and Xiamen.

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