Air France-KLM and the CMA CGM Group declared that their long-term strategic air cargo partnership, which was previously announced in May 2022, has been launched successfully. This alliance will last for 10 years and will involve the collaboration of Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (a division of Air France-KLM Group) and CMA CGM Air Cargo (a part of the CMA CGM Group).
They will merge their complementary cargo networks, complete freighter capacity, and exclusive services to create a more attractive offering, leveraging their unparalleled expertise and worldwide presence. This agreement has received all the mandatory regulatory approvals from the competent authorities.
By forming this partnership, the companies aim to cater to the growing demand of customers for more cohesive and robust supply chains. Air France-KLM’s extensive air cargo franchise, expertise, and capabilities, particularly with respect to specialized cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and express, will be utilized in conjunction with its global network and state-of-the-art facilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. CMA CGM, on the other hand, will utilize its extensive commercial network and global logistics platform.
The agreement will leverage the companies’ respective strengths to provide customers with personalized, flexible, efficient, and cost-effective services. The combined offering will provide access to greater freighter and belly capacity, a broader network of destinations, a blend of scheduled and charter flights, faster transit times, more flexibility, and tailored connections worldwide. Customers will also benefit from superior customer support through a global network of agencies, a specialized service desk to meet specific needs, and a dedicated BIG desk for large shipments.
Customers will have access to a dedicated online platform called “myCargo” and digital services for 24/7 online bookings, as well as expert customer service. As of March 20, 2023, CMA CGM flights are available for booking on myCargo, and customers can easily book and combine flights operated by Air France, KLM, Martinair, or CMA CGM Air Cargo through this industry-leading digital one-stop-shop.
More capacity with a modern, efficient and more sustainable full-freighter fleet 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).
