Air France-KLM and CMA CGM announced the dissolution of their commercial cargo cooperation agreement, which had begun in April 2023. According to AF-KLM, the main reason for terminating the agreement is the strict regulations in some important markets.
In May 2022, Air France-KLM announced its partnership with CMA CGM to initiate a commercial collaboration in the cargo market. Due to the strict regulations in some countries and the decline in air cargo demand, the agreement will be dissolved on March 31, 2024.
While both groups intend to continue working together, it will no longer be under a contractual arrangement. The continuity of collaboration will ensure that cargo customers can still enjoy the benefits of their respective networks.
CMA CGM remains a significant shareholder in Air France-KLM. The parties have agreed to modify the existing lock on CMA CGM’s shares in the capital of Air France-KLM, which will now be effective until February 28, 2025. The companies have agreed that CMA CGM will leave the Board of Directors of Air France-KLM on March 31, 2024.
Details of the Agreement
The partnership will initially last for ten years. Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo, part of the Air France-KLM Group, and CMA CGM Air Cargo, part of the CMA CGM Group, will combine their routes, total cargo capacity, and other services to expand their destination network and provide better alternatives to their customers.
Air France-KLM and CMA CGM will combine their cargo fleets to operate twelve aircraft. This includes the two Boeing 777Fs of Air France Cargo, based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), as well as the two Boeing 747-400Fs of KLM and the only 747-400P2F of Martinair, based at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). The Franco-Dutch consortium has orders for eight new aircraft that will replace their current fleet.
CMA CGM Air Cargo fleet comprises four Airbus A330-200F and two Boeing 777F, based at the largest airport serving the capital of France. The company expects to receive another six aircraft.
