MSC has launched Liege Airport in Belgium as the European hub for its new air cargo carrier, MSC Air Cargo which has started operations with a first landing on December 3. 

MSC Air Cargo's first four B777-200Fs recently delivered will be based at LGG to be operated on its behalf by Atlas Air. 

The aircraft will run routine services connecting Liege with both Mexico City and Indianapolis International Airport in the United States starting with four rotations per week via Liege Airport.

MSC noted that it would utilize Liege as a connecting hub to link its services to Indianapolis and México City in North America and Hong Kong in Asia.

The routes will be dedicated to pharma, perishables and high-value cargo.

While MSC didn't disclose where the bases of the additional three B777-200Fs  expected in 2023 will be, it did make a suggestion that it will enhance the frequency of services to/from Liege.

"We are really proud to be hosting a world-renowned group such as MSC. We look forward to supporting MSC as it develops its air freight business and further enhances its position as a global leader in transportation and logistics,” said Laurent Jossart,  Liege Airport's CEO.

"The selection of Liege Airport shows once again not only that it has a prominent place in the world of cargo but also and above all that it is playing an important role in a multimodal vision of logistics. We are delighted to welcome MSC Air Cargo to Liege and to be vital partners in their projects," Jossart added.

Last September, MSC, the world's largest shipping line, announced it is taking to the skies with a new cargo airline to meet global demand for freight transport.

The shipping line said then that four Boeing 777-200F aircraft of MSC Air Cargo will be operated by Atlas Air.