AF-KLM signs strategic partnership with CMA CGM

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM have announced that they have signed a long-term strategic partnership for the air cargo market. The partnership, initially, will run for ten years and will also include CMA CGM acquiring 9% of the shares in AF-KLM and a seat on the board.

Both companies will join and exclusively operate the full-freighter capacity of the airlines involved and will also cover the belly cargo-capacity of the AF-KLM fleet.

CMA CGM currently has four A330-200Fs in the fleet, which are being operated by Air Belgium. These will, however, be transferred to CMA CGM's own AOC in the coming months. The shipping giant also has orders for four new B777Fs as well as four A350Fs. The first B777F has already been spotted at Seattle (WA) and will be delivered in the coming weeks. Interestingly, the press-release from both companies states that two of CMA CGM's freighters on order could be operated by AF-KLM in the future.

AF-KLM's dedicated cargo capacity consists of two B777Fs with Air France, three B747-400Fs with KLM and one B747-400BCF with Martinair. The company also has an order for four A350Fs.

Illustration by CMA CGM.