Views: 4 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-05-19 Origin: Site
CMA CGM Group announced today (May 18) that it has signed a cooperation agreement with Air France-KLM, one of the largest airline groups in Europe, to reach a long-term strategic partnership in the air cargo market.
CMA CGM official website announcement
CMA CGM emphasized that this is an exclusive strategic cooperation, and the two parties will jointly improve market competitiveness through complementary freight networks, strong freight capacity and professional services.
CMA CGM also emphasized that its investment and sustainable development of the air cargo business with Air France-KLM Group demonstrates CMA CGM's ambition to become a leader in integrated logistics.
According to reports, the initial period of this cooperation is 10 years, and the two parties will provide customers with more transportation options by jointly providing air transportation capacity.
During the cooperation period, CMA CGM and Air France-KLM Group will cooperate to operate all-cargo aircraft of their respective companies. The initial phase of the partnership includes the operation of a fleet of 10 all-cargo aircraft, as well as an additional 12 aircraft on order.
At the same time, the cooperation also covers the belly aircraft capacity of the Air France-KLM Group, involving more than 160 long-haul aircraft.
According to CMA CGM, this strategic cooperation will generate significant synergies, including the joint design of a complete cargo network and an enhanced product and service portfolio, while also leveraging Air France-KLM Group's existing franchises in the global air cargo sector, Aviation experience and expertise to meet customer demands for a more integrated and resilient supply chain.
It is worth noting that CMA CGM is also expected to become a shareholder of the Air France-KLM Group.
Specifically, as part of the cooperation, CMA CGM will strengthen its own business development in the air cargo sector by becoming a new shareholder in the Air France-KLM Group. CMA CGM stated that it has a firm intention to acquire 9% of the ex-post share capital of Air France-KLM during the cooperation period.
Regarding this cooperation, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, said: "The strategic cooperation with Air France-KLM Group will enable CMA CGM to significantly accelerate the development of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the air cargo division. This cooperation is fully in line with CMA CGM AIR CARGO. The development strategy of CMA CGM demonstrates CMA CGM's ambition to become a leader in integrated logistics."
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-Air France-KLM Group, said: "This is a landmark step that leverages the strengths and expertise of both parties to significantly strengthen and expand our position in the air cargo industry. CMA CGM has decided The direct investment in the Air France-KLM Group is also a strong testament to CMA CGM's recognition of us."
It is worth noting that CMA CGM is accelerating its strategic transformation and is committed to becoming a global logistics leader.
In 2021, CMA CGM established CMA CGM AIR CARGO, a dedicated air cargo division, marking a new stage in CMA CGM's strategy of providing customers with integrated transportation solutions.
After that, CMA CGM decided to develop CMA CGM AIR CARGO into a French cargo airline.
According to CMA CGM, CMA CGM AIR CARGO is expanding rapidly and will significantly increase its capacity by investing in multiple all-cargo aircraft and placing orders for new aircraft.
In addition to CMA CGM, Maersk, another shipping giant, also signed a contract with Air France-KLM Group in March this year to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
