CMA CGM Air Cargo has launched its first trans-Pacific service, connecting Asia with North America.
The launch follows the delivery of a new Boeing 777-200 Freighter on 18 August. The aircraft, operated by Atlas Air, inaugurated the new route on 25 August with a commercial flight from Hong Kong to Chicago.
The new aircraft is the third of its kind delivered for the air-cargo division of CMA CGM – the first two have been serving routes between Europe and Greater China.
Two more B777-200F aircraft are slated for delivery in the coming months. The second, due in the fourth quarter of 2024, will be deployed on a transpacific route connecting mainland China with North America. The third is due in 2025.
CMA CGM Air Cargo CEO Damien Mazaudier described the launch of the new route as a “strategic milestone” in the development of CMA CGM’s air-cargo division.
“We are very proud to extend CMA CGM Air Cargo’s reach to the United States, a strategic country for the group,” he said.
“This opening comes with the delivery of a third B777 Freighter, a very efficient long-range aircraft that will allow us to serve our customers on new routes across the Pacific and to respond to dynamic market conditions.
“This new asset also plays a key role in contributing to greater sustainability in airfreight, in line with the CMA CGM Group’s ambitions.”
CMA CGM has highlighted the 777 Freighter’s reliability, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs.
It has a range of 9200 kilometres – or 4970 nautical miles – and can carry a maximum payload of 103 tonnes.
