Air France-KLM and the CMA CGM Group announced today the effective launch of the long-term strategic air cargo partnership they made public in May 2022. This partnership will have an initial duration of 10 years and will see Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo, part of Air France-KLM Group, and CMA CGM Air Cargo, part of the CMA CGM Group, combine their complementary cargo networks, full freighter capacity and dedicated services to build an even more compelling offering thanks to their unrivalled knowhow and global footprint.
This agreement has received all the mandatory regulatory approvals from the competent authorities.
The partnership will help meet customers' ever-increasing need for more integrated and resilient supply chains. It will leverage Air France-KLM’s vast air cargo franchise, experience and capabilities, especially as they pertain to specialized cargo (pharmaceuticals, perishables, express, etc.), backed by a worldwide cargo network and state-of-the-art facilities at its global hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. For its part, CMA CGM will mobilize its large commercial network and global logistics platform.
The deal will tap into the groups’ respective strengths to provide customized, agile, efficient, and costeffective services for customers. The combined offering will allow them to benefit from greater freighter and belly capacity, a more extensive network of destinations, a mix of scheduled and charter flights, improved transit times and flexibility, as well as tailored connections across the world. Customers will benefit from enhanced customer support thanks to a global network of agencies, and a specialized service desk will address specific requirements, including a dedicated BIG desk for large shipments.
With this deal, Air France-KLM and CMA CGM will jointly operate the full-freighter aircraft capacity of their respective airlines. Their combined capacity currently consists of a modern and efficient fleet of up to 12
full-freighter aircraft2:
• 6 full-freighter aircraft at CMA CGM Air Cargo, initially based at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (with outstanding orders for an additional 6 aircraft,);
• 6 full-freighter aircraft at Air France-KLM Group based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (with outstanding orders for 8 aircraft, notably replacing the existing fleet).
The commercial partnership also covers Air France-KLM’s belly aircraft capacity, including 160+ long-haul aircraft.
Air France-KLM Group EVP Cargo and Cooperation Lead Adriaan Den Heijer said:
“The deal 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.”
Guillaume Lathelize, CEO of CMA CGM Air Cargo, said:
“Our commercial joint-venture with Air France KLM Martinair is now effective. CMA CGM AIR CARGO is France’s leading full-freighter airline, and operates 6 aircraft. 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.”
