CMA CGM Air Cargo will launch a transpacific route connecting Asia to North America in summer 2024, after it takes possession of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft. The first aircraft, scheduled for delivery in June, will enable operations to begin on the transpacific route during the summer ahead of peak season and the second aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on the transpacific route.
The first B777-200F will serve Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul and the second will connect mainland China to North America. Flights will be operated by Atlas Air.
Further fleet developments will include, in the first quarter of 2025, a third B777-200F and, in 2026, delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs which will enable the carrier to operate a global network.
CMA CGM is launch customer for the cargo version of the A350, which it describes as the most environmentally efficient aircraft on the market, offering a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its direct competitors. It adds that the A350F will also be the only large freighter capable of meeting the CO2 standards established by ICAO, which will come into effect from 2028.
Three years after its launch, CMA CGM Air Cargo currently offers 12 departures per week from Paris to Greater China and India and charter flights. It current fleet consists of two B777F and three A330Fs, based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, operating services between Paris, Hong Kong Shanghai, Guangzhou and Mumbai.
Chief executive Damien Mazaudier, described the addition of the Transpacific route as “ 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.”
CMA CGM Air Cargo recently appointed ECS Group as general sales and services agent (GSSA) for flights operated by its in-house freighter fleet.