FedEx has bought two Boeing 777 freighters that were previously operated by CMA CGM, as the two companies advance a broader business transaction that includes the sale of FedEx Supply Chain to the French shipping and logistics group.

The aircraft purchase is part of the agreement between the companies and comes as FedEx continues to address replacement of its MD-11F fleet. The two 777Fs will bolster the carrier’s fleet transition strategy by offering more capacity with a modern widebody freighter platform.

Under the deal, CMA CGM will replace two aircraft in its existing fleet of five Boeing 777Fs. The deal’s involvement of the French group underscores the broader relationship between the companies not only in their separate air cargo and maritime businesses but also in their logistics activities.

The sale of FedEx Supply Chain to CMA CGM represents a major step in the group’s logistics expansion, while the transfer of the two freighters adds an aircraft dimension to the deal.

The 777Fs are of particular interest to FedEx as the company works on replacing its MD-11F aircraft. The Boeing 777F is a key widebody freighter platform in the global air cargo market, so the aircraft is a welcome addition to the carrier’s fleet planning.

Thus this transaction corresponds to two strategic evolutions: the transfer by CMA CGM of part of its 777F fleet and FedEx’s efforts to support the renewal of its freighter fleet by replacing older aircraft.