CMA CGM finalises take over of Air Belgium’s cargo arm
May 1, 2025
French cargo specialist CMA CGM has officially taken control of Air Belgium’s cargo activities ensuring the long-term future of air freight in Belgium with the iconic Belgian brand now integrated into CMA CGM’s specialised air cargo division.
The acquisition was completed on Wednesday 30 April following the approval of the distressed sale in February. It seese CMA CGM Air Cargo, the airline subsidiary of the French ocean shipping and logistics giant, expand its cargo fleet to nine aircraft.
The addition of Air Belgium’s two Airbus A330-200 and two Boeing 747-8 freighters, which will be operated from Belgium, will complement the French cargo carrier’s existing fleet of two Boeing 777 cargo jets, which are operated from Paris Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as its A330 aircraft, which is used to serve links with Zhengzhou. It also controls two-factory built Boeing 777 freighter aircraft operated by Atlas Air on trans-Pacific routes from Chicago. CMA CBM is also taking delivery of another 777 freighter from Boeing and further expansion is planned from 2027 onward with the arrival of eight Airbus A350Fs.
“The acquisition of Air Belgium immediately strengthens our air capacity while addressing current logistical challenges,” said Damien Mazaudier, executive vice president of the air division at CMA CGM Group. Referencing the 124 Air Belgium employees that the group has retained, including 72 pilots, he added, “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.”
