The joint venture, which is due to run for 10 years, was announced in May 2022 to provide integrated and resilient supply chains by leveraging Air France-KLM’s air cargo network and CMA CGM’s commercial network and global logistics platform.
The combined service will offer customers greater freighter and bellyhold capacity, a more extensive network of destinations, a mix of scheduled and charter flights, improved transit times and flexibility.
Customers will have access to the myCargo online platform and digital services for easy online bookings available 24/7 and expert customer service.
CMA CGM flights have been available for booking on myCargo since 20 March and customers can book and combine flights operated by Air France, KLM, Martinair and CMA CGM Air Cargo on the platform.
Air France-KLM and CMA CGM will jointly operate the full-freighter aircraft capacity of their respective airlines, which consists of 6 CMA CGM Air Cargo aircraft based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport with outstanding orders for another 6, and 6 for Air France-KLM Group based in both Paris and at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with another 8 on order.
Adriaan Den Heijer, EVP Cargo and Cooperation Lead at Air France-KLM Group, says, “We are very pleased with the operational implementation of our strategic long-term air cargo partnership with CMA CGM Air Cargo. It will accelerate the expansion of our cargo business, a strategic activity for the Air France-KLM Group, by opening up a wide range of new opportunities, in terms of offerings, destinations and solutions to our customers.”
Guillaume Lathelize, CEO of CMA CGM Air Cargo, adds, “Our commercial joint-venture with Air France KLM Martinair is now effective. CMA CGM AIR CARGO is France’s leading full-freighter airline, and operates 6 aircraft. The company has demonstrated its flexibility and agility with scheduled services and charter solutions for key logistics players. Our partnership will combine the best of both worlds: flexibility, agility and world class expertise for regular and dedicated service.”