CMA CGM opens trans-Pacific route, orders additional Boeing cargo plane
MA CGM AIR CARGO will begin operating a transpacific route connecting Asia to North America in summer 2024. The launch on a strategic air freight route marks the acceleration of CMA CGM AIR CARGO's development.
To ensure service to new destinations, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will take possession of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft this year. The first aircraft, scheduled for delivery in June, will enable operations to begin on the transpacific route during the summer in anticipation of peak season and will serve airports in Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul. The second aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will connect mainland China to North America. Flights will be operated by our partner Atlas Air.
Currently, the CMA CGM AIR CARGO fleet consists of 2 B777F and 3 A330F, which are based at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub.
- x2 B777F aircraft operate connections between Europe and Greater China: 5 flights per week to Hong Kong and 4 flights per week to Shanghai.
- x3 A330F in the fleet today, two are chartered for a third party, while the third operates connections between Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Mumbai, and Guangzhou three times a week.
CMA CGM AIR CARGO's network expansion strategy will continue to pave the way for further developments in the coming months:
- In 2025, the delivery of a third B777-200F, which will strengthen the fleet by extending its reach and available capacity for our customers.
- In 2026, the delivery of 8 Airbus A350F aircraft will enable us to operate a global network, meeting the global logistics needs of air freight customers.
As the launch customer for the cargo version of the A350, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has opted for the most environmentally efficient aircraft on the market, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainable transport. The A350F model stands out for a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its direct competitors.
Additionally, CMA CGM AIR CARGO offer a complete range of solutions for the transportation of sensitive products, such as hazardous goods, temperature-controlled cargo, perishables, live animals and high-value products.
Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, says, “Our expansion into the Transpacific Lane marks a turning point in the company’s history by connecting a new continent to our network and aligns with the ambition of the CMA CGM Group to offer a range of solutions to its customers. This lane opening will enable us to offer even more destinations to our customers on major routes. Today’s announcement represents a new step in the development of our business, which we aim to make global, and will take another step forward again in 2026 with the arrival of the A350F, the most environmentally friendly aircraft on the market.”