CMA CGM AIR CARGO is set to launch a transpacific route linking Asia to North America in the summer of 2024, signalling a significant advancement in its air freight services.
To facilitate operations to new destinations, the company will take delivery of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft this year. The first aircraft, expected in June, will kickstart operations on the transpacific route during the summer peak season, with the second aircraft slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024.
These aircrafts will enhance connectivity, with the first B777-200F serving airports in Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul, while the second will focus on mainland China to North America routes. Operations will be carried out by Atlas Air.
The addition of these two new aircrafts to its fleet and their deployment on the transpacific route signifies a significant milestone in CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s network expansion strategy, setting the stage for further advancements in the months ahead.
In the first quarter of 2025, CMA CGM AIR CARGO plans to acquire a third B777-200F, enhancing its fleet’s capabilities and extending its reach to better serve its customers’ needs for capacity and connectivity.
Looking ahead to 2026, the delivery of eight Airbus A350F aircraft will enable CMA CGM AIR CARGO to establish a comprehensive global network, addressing the evolving logistics requirements of air freight customers worldwide.
As the pioneering customer for the cargo variant of the A350, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has opted for the most environmentally efficient aircraft available, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable transportation. The A350F model is distinguished by its 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar aircraft, making it the sole large freighter capable of meeting the CO2 standards set by ICAO, effective from 2028.
Just three years following its launch, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has established itself as a reputable authority in the three primary air transport solutions: scheduled flights (with 12 departures weekly from Paris to Greater China and India), charter flights, and third-party companies. These solutions are bolstered by a fleet comprised of industry-leading aircraft and a proficient team of air freight experts.
With its own booking system and dedicated commercial teams, CMA CGM AIR CARGO offers a comprehensive array of solutions for transporting sensitive goods, including hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive cargo, perishables, live animals, and high-value products.
Presently, the CMA CGM AIR CARGO fleet consists of 2 B777F and 3 A330F aircraft, all stationed at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub.
The two B777F aircraft facilitate connections between Europe and Greater China, operating 5 flights weekly to Hong Kong and 4 flights weekly to Shanghai. As for the three A330F aircraft in the current fleet, two are chartered for third-party use, while the third operates routes connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Mumbai, and Guangzhou three times per week.
“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. 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,” commented Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO.
