Air France KLM Martinair and CMA CGM air cargo partnership takes off
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) and CMA CGM Air Cargo have launched a capacity partnership announced last year.
The tie-up, first announced in May 2022, will see the two carriers jointly operate the full-freighter aircraft capacity of their respective airlines, initially including CMA CGM’s six freighter aircraft and AFKLMP’s six freighters.
The commercial partnership also covers Air France-KLM’s belly aircraft capacity, including more than 160 long-haul aircraft.
The partnership has an initial duration of 10 years.
The two partners said the combined offering will allow them to benefit from greater freighter and belly capacity, a more extensive network of destinations, a mix of scheduled and charter flights, and improved transit times and flexibility, as well as tailored connections.
CMA CGM’s flights are available to be booked on AFKLMP’s myCargo platform and customers can book and combine flights operated by both carriers.
Air France KLM Group executive vice president cargo and cooperation lead Adriaan Den Heijer said: “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.
“With our experienced and dedicated teams and a powerful distribution platform, we look forward to further transforming the future through this partnership.”
Guillaume Lathelize, chief executive of CMA CGM Air Cargo, added: “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 six 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.”
The two firms said they would also work together on developing new digital solutions and processes.
They will also work together on reducing their emissions output through the use of more efficient aircraft and through the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
AFKLMP currently operates three B747-400ERF, one B747-400BCF and two B777Fs. It also has outstanding orders for eight new generation A350Fs.
Four will be used to replace the fleet of four Boeing 747Fs currently operated by KLM Cargo and Martinair, while the other four will be added to the Air France fleet.
CMA CGM Air Cargo’s freighter fleet currently consists of four A330Fs and two B777Fs with plans for a fleet of 12 aircraft. It has outstanding orders for four A350Fs and two B777Fs.
“The partnership will help meet customers’ ever-increasing need for more integrated and resilient supply chains,” the two companies said in a press release.
“It will leverage Air France-KLM’s vast air cargo franchise, experience and capabilities, especially as they pertain to specialised cargo (pharmaceuticals, perishables, express, etc.), backed by a worldwide cargo network and state-of-the-art facilities at its global hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. For its part, CMA CGM will mobilize its large commercial network and global logistics platform.”
As part of the May announcement, CMA CGM also unveiled plans to take a 9% stake in the Air France KLM Group.