CMA CGM acquires Air Belgium cargo unit to expand European air fleet

The CMA CGM Group has acquired the cargo operations of Air Belgium, following approval by the Brabant Wallon Commercial Court and the conclusion of an asset transfer agreement with the airline’s liquidator. The acquisition is part of CMA CGM’s strategy to strengthen its air freight presence in Europe and preserve the continuity of Air Belgium’s operations. As a result of the takeover, 124 jobs, including 72 pilot roles, will be retained, and the Air Belgium brand will continue to operate under CMA CGM’s specialised air cargo division.

With this acquisition, CMA CGM integrates Air Belgium’s aircraft into its European fleet. These aircraft, operated from Belgium, will enhance the Group’s ability to offer tailored freight solutions to forwarders, shippers, and logistics clients. The Group has also opted to maintain the Air Belgium brand, preserving the local expertise that has been part of the Belgian air cargo landscape.

The company stated that the transaction is aligned with its broader strategy to offer multimodal transport solutions, especially during a time when global supply chains face increasing challenges. By preserving jobs and maintaining the Air Belgium name, CMA CGM aims to develop a high-performing air cargo service that meets the evolving needs of the market.

Damien Mazaudier, Executive Vice President of the Air Division at CMA CGM Group, said, “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. By preserving skilled jobs and accelerating the development of our network, this operation demonstrates our commitment to our customers and our ability to anticipate market evolutions.”

The move also builds on an existing partnership. Between 2021 and 2023, Air Belgium operated four Airbus A330F aircraft for CMA CGM AIR CARGO out of the Liège hub. After obtaining its own French air operator certificate, CMA CGM transitioned its operations to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, where it currently operates services to Asia with Boeing 777F and Airbus A330F aircraft.

In North America, CMA CGM has established a hub in Chicago to support its transpacific operations. Two Boeing 777F aircraft are currently operated there by Atlas Air under the CMA CGM AIR CARGO brand, with three more aircraft expected to be added. This expansion supports the Group’s ambition to increase its cargo capabilities in the US market.

CMA CGM AIR CARGO was launched in March 2021 to complement the Group’s maritime and logistics services. The company currently operates a fleet of nine aircraft, including Boeing 777Fs, Airbus A330Fs, and Boeing 747Fs, with further expansion planned. By 2027, eight new Airbus A350Fs will join the fleet, strengthening CMA CGM’s global connectivity across its key hubs in France, Belgium, and the United States.