MSC Air Cargo Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Italy’s AlisCargo

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is reportedly in talks to acquire Italian cargo airline AlisCargo to grow its MSC Air Cargo airline business.

A due diligence process is currently taking place between the two companies, according to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, which said it has sources with knowledge on the matter.

Air Cargo News has contacted Geneva-headquartered MSC for comment on the alleged acquisition.

Founded in 2021, AlisCargo is based at Milano-Malpensa Airport. According to the company’s website, its fleet currently consists of four Boeing 777 200ER P2F aircraft used both for ACMI and cargo charter services.

Shipping giant MSC launched MSC Air Cargo launched late last year after announcing in September that Atlas Air would operate four new Boeing 777-200 freighters on a global ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) basis.

In November, partner airline Atlas Air took delivery of the first freighter for use on routes between China, the US, Mexico and Europe.

Then in December, MSC Air Cargo launched operations with a first landing on December 3 and adopted Liège Airport as its European hub.

In January this year the airline added a new service between Incheon International and Indianapolis in the US. The service operates twice weekly under the ACMI agreement with Atlas Air.

ECS Group was recently appointed as MSC Air Cargo’s GSSA in North America, Europe and Mexico.