CMA CGM Air Cargo finalizes takeover of Air Belgium
CMA CGM Air Cargo, the airline subsidiary of the French ocean shipping and logistics conglomerate, has expanded its fleet to nine aircraft by officially taking control of Air Belgium and taking delivery of another 777 freighter from Boeing.
A Belgian court late last month approved the distressed sale of Air Belgium to CMA CGM Group. The company announced Wednesday that it has completed the transfer of Air Belgium's assets from a liquidator and will continue to operate Air Belgium as a separate brand from Brussels and Liège airports.
Air Belgium brings two Airbus A330-200 medium-widebody freighters and two Boeing 747-8 freighters to the CMA CGM portfolio. CMA CGM said it has retained 124 Air Belgium employees, including 72 pilots. The acquisition enables CMA CGM to offer more air logistics choices to European cargo owners and freight forwarders.
Hongyuan Group in China acquired 49% of Air Belgium in 2022. Air Belgium has been operating its fleet for the logistics provider.
Air Belgium complements CMA CGM Air Cargo's operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. The airline operates regular service with two Boeing 777 cargo jets to Hong Kong and Shanghai and one A330 aircraft to Zhengzhou, China. CMA CGM Air Cargo also controls two factory-built Boeing 777 freighter aircraft that are operated by New York-based Atlas Air on trans-Pacific routes.
Air Belgium was instrumental in establishing CMA CGM Air Cargo in 2021. CMA CGM acquired four A330 cargo jets and hired Air Belgium to fly them until early 2023, when it obtained its own French air operator certificate and moved operations to Paris.
Meanwhile, CMA CGM said it has established an air hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a move that was telegraphed in March without a timetable. The reality is less significant than CMA CGM suggests because the company does not appear to have undertaken any capital investment in a new facility to be or leasing ramp space for aircraft from an existing cargo handler at the airport.
The Chicago Department of Aviation was not able to confirm any enhanced CMA CGM freighter schedule or footprint at this time.
Atlas Air uses O'Hare as a base for pilots to pick up assigned flights.
CMA CGM Air Cargo last fall placed a new Boeing 777 with Atlas to operate on its behalf across the Pacific Ocean. A CMA CGM spokesperson said in an email message the plane now connects Shanghai and Chicago four times per week, but the Flightradar24 aircraft tracking site shows the plane predominantly operates between Hong Kong, Seoul, South Korea, and Chicago, with occasional stops in other Chinese cities and in Miami.
The airline now says Atlas Air is operating a second branded 777 freighter out of Chicago. Aviation databases show Atlas Air accepted the new freighter in late March and is operating it between Seoul, Hong Kong and Chicago three times per week.
CMA CGM expects to receive three more 777s from Boeing this year, with flying outsourced again to Atlas Air from its Chicago base.
Atlas Air also flies five Boeing 777 cargo jets for Mediterranean Shipping Co., another European ocean carrier with a startup cargo airline (MSC Air Cargo).
Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.
Air cargo faces $22B revenue hit when China tariff exemption ends
CMA CGM subsidiaries augment air cargo capacity in different ways
The post CMA CGM Air Cargo finalizes takeover of Air Belgium appeared first on FreightWaves.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
France pushes for peace in the Caucasus amid heat over Iran detainees
In a week of high-level diplomacy amid underlying tensions, France has been advocating for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while reaffirming its position on Iran's detention of two French nationals. During a visit to the Armenian capital Yerevan last Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made an impassioned call for Armenia and Azerbaijan to "quickly" finalise and sign a long-awaited peace treaty. The two neighbours – long at odds over the contested Karabakh region – appeared on the cusp of reconciliation in March when they agreed on a draft deal. However, negotiations have since stalled, with Azerbaijan demanding constitutional amendments from Armenia before signing the agreement. Speaking alongside his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, Barrot said: "It is essential that this treaty be signed." His words underscored France's deepening engagement in the South Caucasus, where global powers – including Russia, the European Union, the United States and Turkey – vie for influence. Armenia signs arms contract with France amid boost in military ties Barrot hailed the release as 'the honour and pride of French diplomacy". Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:France summons Azerbaijan ambassador over President Aliyev's 'unacceptable' remarks at Cop29Growing military buildup in Azerbaijan and Armenia a concern for peace talksParis Perspective #41: France, the Caucasus, and Nagorno-Karabakh – Richard Giragosian
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Matteo Tamburini on Redefining Italian Luxury for a Global Audience
Matteo Tamburini is rejecting the concept of designing differently for different markets. 'I don't design for specific markets,' the Tod's creative director said at WWD's Global Fashion & Beauty Summit in Riyadh. 'I design with an idea, a feeling I want to translate into the collection. The beauty is in creating something that can speak to people across different cultures.' More from WWD Prada, Kering and Tod's Leaders Stake Out the Future of Luxury at Changemakers Event in Milan Andrew Scott, Christian Slater Celebrate Tod's 'Italian Hands' Book in New York WWD to Present Awards at Saudi Fashion Awards It's a bold stance in a fashion industry increasingly focused on regional customization and market-specific strategies. But for Tamburini, this universal approach represents the future of luxury — one where 'Made in Italy is not a label, but a mindset' and where the goal is creating pieces that 'can speak to people across different cultures' without compromising creative integrity. The strategy appears to be working: Tod's was awarded WWD's International Brand of the Year award in Riyadh. A Foundation Built on StorytellingTamburini's design sensibility was forged in his mother's theatrical costume atelier in a small Italian town. 'I grew up in an atelier where my mother created theatrical costumes,' he said. 'As a child, I was constantly surrounded by fabrics, patterns, and the transformative power of clothing. I learned how clothes can actually create a character, how they can tell a story beyond mere fabric and stitching.' This theatrical foundation continues to inform his work at Tod's, where every collection becomes a narrative exercise in balancing heritage with contemporary relevance. It's a perspective that sets him apart in an industry often focused on surface-level trends. Having worked across both French and Italian fashion houses, Tamburini brings a unique comparative perspective to his role. 'French brands are more structured, more organized in pushing creativity,' he explained. 'Italian brands are more instinctive, more connected to lifestyle.' This distinction has become central to his strategy at Tod's, where he leverages Italy's innate connection to living beautifully rather than simply creating beautiful objects. His approach involves what he calls 'Italianism' — a contemporary interpretation of Italian luxury that feels both rooted and revolutionary. 'I'm trying to speak about Italianism, but in a contemporary, up-to-date way,' he said. 'It's about creating something familiar yet surprising — changing textures, proportions and combinations to keep the essence alive.' Quiet Luxury, Loud ImpactAs the fashion industry grapples with the 'quiet luxury' phenomenon, Tamburini offers a nuanced perspective. 'What we do might look quiet, but it's not as quiet as it seems,' he said. 'For me, it's not a trend — it's about creating minimal things, beautifully executed.' This philosophy positions Tod's beyond fleeting movements, focusing instead on enduring quality and subtle distinction. Central to Tamburini's design philosophy is the concept of 'easiness and desirability.' He envisions his customer as someone who 'travels the world, moves with ease, and isn't strictly following trends.' This translates into collections that transcend seasonal whims, instead offering timeless pieces with modern sensibilities. This universal approach has proven particularly relevant as luxury consumers become increasingly global in their outlook and lifestyle. Tamburini draws inspiration from unexpected sources, with David Bowie serving as a key creative touchstone. 'I always have specific icons in mind,' he shared, 'not just his on-stage persona, but that off-stage nonchalant easiness — someone who works around stereotypes in fascinating ways.' Tamburini's approach to creative direction is very hands-on, including with production. 'I'm often in the factories, working closely with the team,' he said. 'I'm not a designer who sits in an ivory tower. Exchanging ideas, making people feel involved — that's crucial to the creative process.' This collaborative spirit extends to his approach with both men's and women's collections, which he sees as part of a cohesive narrative rather than separate entities. Wisdom for the Next GenerationIn an era of instant gratification, Tamburini advocates for patience and depth. His advice to emerging designers reflects his own measured approach: 'Stay curious. Speak less and listen more. Don't rush — good design comes with time. We're in an era of instant gratification, but true creativity requires patience and depth.' As Tod's continues its evolution under Tamburini's creative direction, the brand's International Brand of the Year recognition from WWD validates his approach to honoring Italian heritage while embracing global sensibilities. 'Every collection is a journey,' he reflected. 'It's about creating sparks of desire, connecting with people through design that feels both familiar and exciting.' Best of WWD The Story Behind Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Watch: A Royal Gift With 'Traces and Clues of Her Life' Revealed Model and Hip Hop Fashion Pioneer Kimora Lee Simmons' Runway Career Through the Years [PHOTOS] Salma Hayek's Fashion Evolution Through the Years: A Red Carpet Journey [PHOTOS]
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Trump ally Senator Graham pushes for new sanctions against Russia ahead of G7 Summit
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime ally of US President Donald Trump, has announced his intention to push for the introduction of new sanctions against Russia ahead of the G7 summit, which will take place from 15 to 17 June in Canada. Source: Bloomberg Details: In a joint statement with Democrat Richard Blumenthal, he stressed that the sanctions should be imposed by mid-June to send a clear signal to China and other countries helping the Kremlin circumvent international restrictions. "By the G7 summit, we hope to have sanctions put in place – in coordination with Europe – to deliver an unequivocal message to China," they said after talks in Paris with French officials. Graham and Blumenthal noted that their sanctions bill against Russia, which provides for the introduction of a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian energy resources, has been supported by 82 senators. "Russia indiscriminately kills men, women and children. It's time for the world to act decisively against Russia's aggression by holding China and others accountable for buying cheap Russian oil that props up Putin's war machine. If you want this war to end, push China to help end it," Graham wrote on X (Twitter). Quote from Bloomberg: "It's still unclear whether Trump, who has been pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, is ready to embrace tougher action against Moscow. But in recent days, Trump has been expressing new frustration with President Vladimir Putin." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda doesn't recognise Putin as president – ed.] Details: Graham and Blumenthal also held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "We assured President Macron and his team that we believe Putin is playing games regarding peace and is actually preparing for a military offensive in the late summer or early fall," they said. Background: Graham expects the upper house of Congress to begin considering new large-scale sanctions against Russia as early as this week due to the lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine. As for the lower house of Congress, whose consent will also be needed to approve the new sanctions, Graham said there are "House members that are ready to move in the House, and you'll see congressional action". The senators have regularly issued threats of what they describe as "bone-crushing" sanctions against Russia, although these have not yet been implemented. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
