Air France-KLM and shipping company CMA CGM yesterday officially launched the long-term strategic air cargo partnership that they had initially announced in May 2022.
As of the agreement, they will jointly operate the twelve cargo aircraft they use, a fleet that will be expanded shortly when both take delivery of the new aircraft they have ordered.
See also: Air France-KLM orders another three Airbus A350-900 and four A350F, to join Martinair’s fleet
The Air France-KLM and CMA CGM partnership
The partnership will have an initial duration of ten years. Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo, part of the Air France-KLM Group, and CMA CGM Air Cargo, part of the CMA CGM Group, will combine their routes, total cargo capacity and other services with the aim of expanding their network of destinations and offering better alternatives to their customers.
Both companies said the move will help meet the growing demand for more integrated and resilient supply chains. The Franco-Dutch company will bring its expertise in specialised freight forwarding, while the French shipping company will bring new options thanks to its established trading network and global logistics platform.
Customers already have access to an online platform called “myCargo”, as well as other digital services available at any time of the day to facilitate bookings. Since 20 March, they can book and combine flights operated by Air France, KLM, Martinair or CMA CGM Air Cargo via this platform.
“We are very pleased with the operational implementation of our strategic long-term air cargo partnership with CMA CGM Air Cargo”, said Adriaan Den Heijer, Air France-KLM Group EVP Cargo and Cooperation Lead. “With our experienced and dedicated teams and a powerful distribution platform, we look forward to further transforming the future through this partnership”, he added.
“Our partnership will combine the best of both worlds: flexibility, agility and world class expertise for regular and dedicated service”, said Guillaume Lathelize, CEO of CMA CGM Air Cargo.
The twelve aircraft
Air France-KLM and CMA CGM will combine their cargo fleets to operate a total of twelve aircraft.
This includes Air France Cargo’s two Boeing 777F, based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), as well as KLM’s two Boeing 747-400F and Martinair’s single 747-400P2F, based at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). The Franco-Dutch consortium holds orders for eight new aircraft to replace its existing fleet.
The joint venture will also benefit from the cargo capacity in the holds of Air France and KLM passenger airplanes, including more than 160 long-haul aircraft.
On the other hand, it includes the four Airbus A330-200F and the two Boeing 777F of CMA CGM Air Cargo, based at the largest airport serving the French capital. The company expects to take delivery of a further six aircraft.
