This court decision was expected: The Brabant Wallon Commercial Court has given green light for the acquisition of Air Belgium’s Cargo business by the CMA CGM Group. The losing party in this bidding battle is the Dutch consortium Air One International Holdings and Peso Aviation headed by cargo veteran Peter Scholten. Hehad offered EUR 800,000 for the takeover of a controlling stake of 51% of the carrier.
The court decision upgrades the cargo business of the French shipping line, making it a major player in European air freight matters. Part of the deal is the takeover of two Airbus A330-243F and two Boeing 747-8F so far operated by the Belgian airline. In total,CMA CGM AIR CARGO now operates a freighter fleet of nine aircraft: four Boeing 777F, three Airbus A330F, and two Boeing 747Fs. Soon, an additional B777F will be added to the fleet which will be further expanded from 2027 onward, when eight Airbus A350F will be delivered successively. Thanks to the court decision, 124 jobs will be preserved, including 72 cockpit personnel. At the same time, the new owner announced that the company name of the Belgian cargo airline will be maintained within the CMA CGM Group’s specialized air cargo division.
Important step
Based in Belgium, the Air Belgium freighter aircraft will allow CMA CGM to offer forwarders, shippers, and the broader logistics ecosystem tailored solutions. This emphasizes Damien Mazaudier, Executive Vice President of the Air Division at CMA CGM Group.“The acquisition of Air Belgium Cargo 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 takeover complements CMA CGM AIR CARGO capacity offered to the market at its homebase, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Currently, CMA CGM AIR CARGO operates regular services with two Boeing 777F aircraft to Hong Kong and Shanghai and one Airbus A330F to Zhengzhou.
Multi-modal strategy
Together with itsEuropean expansion, CMA CGM Group has established an air freight hub in Chicago. This hub currently hosts two Boeing 777F aircraft operated by Atlas Air under the CMA CGM AIR CARGO brand, with three additional aircraft to be added soon. The jetliners will strengthen the Group’s presence on routes connecting the U.S. with the Fareast and support the expansion of its cargo activities in the North American market.
Thanks to its air freight division launched 2021, CMA CGM has turned into a multi modal company by offering the market comprehensive maritime, road, air, and logistics services and solutions. This integrated approach enables the Group to provide tailor-made transport solutions to its customers, including last-mile delivery services.
The freighter aircraft operate from strategic hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium, ensuring optimal connectivity across key global air cargo routes.
