By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News | April 2, 2025
CMA CGM’s aviation ambitions have gained momentum with a court-approved acquisition of Air Belgium’s cargo operations, marking a significant development in the shipping giant’s efforts to expand its footprint in the air freight sector.
On March 27, the Brabant Wallon Business Court approved CMA CGM’s proposal—originally submitted on March 19—to fully acquire Air Belgium’s cargo division, including its fleet of four freighters: two Airbus A330-243Fs and two Boeing 747-8Fs. The deal not only secures additional aircraft capacity for CMA CGM Air Cargo but also salvages critical infrastructure from an airline that has teetered on the brink of collapse for months.
A Pivotal Rescue for Air Belgium
The acquisition marks a vital lifeline for Air Belgium, which faced a final liquidation deadline if no buyer emerged by March 27. The troubled airline had previously abandoned its passenger business in September 2023, citing sustained economic losses. In the months since, Air Belgium entered judicial restructuring and actively pursued investment partners to preserve its cargo operations.
The approval not only revives the airline’s business prospects but also preserves 186 jobs across administrative, operational, ground services, and flight crews. “Positions… will be maintained, regardless of contract type,” a spokesperson from Air Belgium confirmed. Cargo operations will continue to be based out of Brussels and Liège airports.
Strengthening CMA CGM’s Air Cargo Position
For CMA CGM, the move represents a calculated expansion. Its air cargo division currently operates four freighters—three Boeing 777Fs and one Airbus A330F—with two additional 777Fs expected to arrive soon. The acquisition of Air Belgium’s fleet adds vital capacity and operational flexibility.
Looking ahead, CMA CGM has committed to long-term fleet modernization. The company has placed an order for eight Airbus A350 freighters, although Airbus recently postponed deliveries to the second half of 2027. In the interim, Air Belgium’s assets offer an immediate boost.
Notably, this acquisition also comes full circle: Air Belgium was CMA CGM’s operating partner when the company first entered the air cargo market, managing its early flights and facilitating its initial cargo operations.
A Checkered History of Takeover Attempts
CMA CGM’s bid follows a previously failed takeover attempt by Air One Belgium. Although initially approved in December 2024, the Nivelles enterprise court later annulled the process due to delays in execution, triggering renewed urgency for Air Belgium to find an alternative investor.
The new approval not only ends a prolonged period of uncertainty for Air Belgium but signals CMA CGM’s growing ambitions in the integrated logistics space—where maritime and air freight are converging into a seamless, multimodal strategy.
The Bigger Picture: Air Cargo Reshaped by Maritime Giants
CMA CGM is among a new wave of maritime players moving aggressively into air cargo. In recent years, the integration of shipping and aviation has emerged as a core competitive strategy, especially amid growing demand for high-speed logistics and global supply chain resiliency.
By gaining control of Air Belgium’s assets and expertise, CMA CGM positions itself not just as a maritime heavyweight, but as a full-spectrum logistics provider capable of handling global cargo needs across modes.
With this latest acquisition, CMA CGM Air Cargo cements its trajectory toward becoming a significant force in global air freight—while offering a much-needed second chance to an airline that once risked vanishing from the skies.
Maria Kalamatas is Senior Logistics Correspondent at The Logistic News, covering strategic developments in multimodal freight, aviation logistics, and global supply chain integration.
