CMA CGM has activated a long-term air cargo partnership with Air France-KLM.
Under the partnership, CMA CGM Air Cargo and Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo will combine their cargo networks and freighter capacity.
The companies announced the 10-year partnership in May last year and launched it on 4 April 2023.
They currently have 12 full-freighter aircraft between them, and CMA CGM has ordered six additional aircraft and Air France-KLM has ordered eight aircraft to replace its existing fleet.
The commercial partnership also covers Air France-KLM’s belly capacity on more than 160 long-haul aircraft.
CMA CGM said the deal would create greater freighter and belly capacity, a more extensive network, a mix of scheduled and charter flights and improved transit times and flexibility.
“Our commercial joint-venture with Air France KLM Martinair is now effective,” CMA CGM Air Cargo CEO Guillaume Lathelize said.
“The company has demonstrated its flexibility and agility with scheduled services and charter solutions for key logistics players.
“Our partnership will combine the best of both worlds: flexibility, agility and world class expertise for regular and dedicated service.”
Air France-KLM Group EVP cargo and cooperation lead Adriaan Den Heijer said the company is very pleased with the implementation of the partnership.
“It will accelerate the expansion of our cargo business, a strategic activity for the Air France-KLM Group, by opening up a wide range of new opportunities, in terms of offerings, destinations and solutions to our customers.
“With our experienced and dedicated teams and a powerful distribution platform, we look forward to further transforming the future through this partnership.”
CMA CGM said the companies have a shared ambition to invest in the future of air cargo business, including in areas of digitalisation and sustainable aviation.
