CMA CGM AIR CARGO is launching its first transpacific route with the recent delivery of its third Boeing 777-200F, opening the way to further developments in the United States.

The air freight carrier said the inaugural commercial flight serviced Hong Kong to Chicago on August 25, with a technical stop in Anchorage.

On the westbound leg, the aircraft operates from Chicago to Hong Kong, via Seoul. 

"This milestone represents a significant step in CMA CGM AIR CARGO's global expansion strategy and aligns with the ambition of the CMA CGM Group to offer a comprehensive range of solutions to its clients," the announcement said.

CMA CGM AIR CARGO's global expansion

CMA CGM AIR CARGO noted that the delivery of this new B777-200F, operated by Atlas Air, will play a key role in the expansion of CMA CGM AIR CARGO network on a strategic route, serving airports like Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul.

A second B777-200F will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on a transpacific route, connecting mainland China to North America.

The cargo carrier noted that with the deployment of these two Boeing aircraft, CMA CGM AIR CARGO customers will benefit from a total of 7 frequencies per week on the transpacific. 

In 2025, a third aircraft will strengthen its fleet by extending its reach and available capacity.

Since 2022, two Boeing 777-200F aircraft operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO, based at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub, have been serving routes between Europe and Greater China, with 5 flights per week to Hong Kong and 4 flights per week to Shanghai.

The B777-200F boasts a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nautical miles) and can carry a maximum payload of 103 tonnes (226,000 pounds).

"The launching of this new route between Chicago and Hong Kong is a strategic milestone in the development of CMA CGM AIR CARGO. We are very proud to extend CMA CGM AIR CARGO's reach to the United States, a strategic country for the Group," said Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO.

"This opening comes with the delivery of a third B777 Freighter, a very efficient long-range aircraft that will allow us to serve our customers on new routes across the Pacific and to respond to dynamic market conditions. This new asset also plays a key role in contributing to greater sustainability in airfreight, in line with the CMA CGM Group's ambitions," he added.

CMA CGM earlier said it targets a fleet of 12 aircraft for CMA CGM AIR CARGO by 2026.