The CMA CGM Group has completed its acquisition of Air Belgium, increasing its market share in the air freight industry.
The group, which offers sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, announced the transfer of assets from Air Belgium on April 30.
This followed the Brabant Wallon Commercial Court's approval of its binding offer to take over Air Belgium's cargo operations on March 19 and the conclusion of the asset transfer agreement with the liquidator.
The acquisition includes Air Belgium's fleet of four freighters.
"This operation ensures the preservation of the Air Belgium brand, employment, and the expertise of the Belgian teams while maintaining a robust air cargo network that addresses market demands," CMA CGM said in a statement.
It added that the move also aligns with the CMA CGM Group's strategy to offer European clients comprehensive and flexible logistics solutions amid global logistical challenges.
With this acquisition, CMA CGM noted that it will keep 72 pilots and 52 operational and support staff.
The Group has also chosen to retain the Air Belgium brand, an iconic name in the Belgian aviation landscape, combining local expertise with international standards in air cargo transport.
CMA CGM said the acquisition expands its air freight capacity with Air Belgium's aircraft, strengthening its logistics network.
Based in Belgium, the aircraft will support customised solutions for forwarders, shippers, and the wider logistics sector.
"The acquisition of Air Belgium marks an important step in the expansion of the CMA CGM Group's air freight operations in Europe and worldwide," said Damien Mazaudier, executive vice president of the Air Division at CMA CGM Group.
"It immediately strengthens our air capacity while addressing current logistical challenges. By preserving skilled jobs and accelerating the development of our network, this operation demonstrates our commitment to our customers and our ability to anticipate market evolutions," he added.
CMA CGM noted that this acquisition strengthens the Group's presence in Europe and worldwide, complementing CMA CGM AIR CARGO operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
Currently, CMA CGM AIR CARGO operates regular services with two Boeing 777-F aircraft to Hong Kong and Shanghai and one Airbus A330F to Zhengzhou.
This acquisition continues the partnership established between 2021 and 2023, during which CMA CGM AIR CARGO entrusted Air Belgium with operating its four Airbus A330F aircraft from Liège hub before obtaining its French air operator certificate and establishing operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
Continuing development in the Chicago hub
CMA CGM said that alongside European expansion, CMA CGM Group has established an air freight hub in Chicago. The hub currently hosts two Boeing 777-F aircraft operated by Atlas Air under the CMA CGM AIR CARGO brand, with three additional aircraft to be added soon.
The planes will strengthen the Group's presence on trans-Pacific routes and support the expansion of its cargo activities in the American market.
CMA CGM AIR CARGO, launched in March 2021, is part of the CMA CGM Group's broader strategy to expand its maritime, land, air, and logistics services. The approach supports multimodal solutions, including last-mile delivery.
The company's air cargo fleet includes nine aircraft — four Boeing 777Fs, three Airbus A330Fs, and two Boeing 747Fs. An additional Boeing 777F will join the fleet soon, with further expansion planned from 2027 with the arrival of eight Airbus A350Fs.
The aircraft operate from hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium, connecting key global air cargo routes.
