Aviation
CMA CGM AIR CARGO LAUNCHES ITS FIRST TRANSPACIFIC SERVICE
August 27, 2024

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.