CMA CGM AIR CARGO recently announced the delivery of its third Boeing 777-200F and the aircraft inaugurated a new transpacific route connecting Asia to North America. This milestone represents a significant step in CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s global expansion strategy and aligns with the ambition of the CMA CGM Group to offer a comprehensive range of solutions to its clients.
The delivery of this new B777-200F, operated by Atlas Air, will play a key role in the expansion of CMA CGM AIR CARGO network on a strategic route, serving airports like Hong Kong, Chicago and Seoul. The first commercial flight took place on August 25, 2024, connecting Hong Kong (HKG) to Chicago (ORD) with a technical stop in Anchorage (ANC). On the westbound leg, the aircraft operates from Chicago (ORD) to Hong Kong (HKG), via Seoul (ICN).
A second B777-200F will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on a transpacific route, connecting mainland China to North America. With the deployment of these 2 Boeing aircraft, CMA CGM AIR CARGO customers will benefit from a total of 7 frequencies per week on the transpacific.
In 2025, a third aircraft will strengthen the fleet by extending its reach and available capacity for its customers. Since 2022, 2 Boeing 777-200F aircraft operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO, based at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub, have been serving routes between Europe and Greater China, with 5 flights per week to Hong Kong and 4 flights per week to Shanghai.
The B777-200F is the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. Known for its high reliability, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance and operating costs, this aircraft boasts a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nautical miles) and can carry a maximum payload of 103 tonnes (226,000 pounds). Thanks to its capacity and range, the 777 Freighter delivers the most economical trip cost of all large freighters, highlighted a release.
“The launching of this new route between Chicago and Hong Kong is a strategic milestone in the development of CMA CGM AIR CARGO. We are very proud to extend CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s reach to the United States, a strategic country for the Group. This opening comes with the delivery of a third B777 Freighter, a very efficient long-range aircraft that will allow us to serve our customers on new routes across the Pacific and to respond to dynamic market conditions. This new asset also plays a key role in contributing to greater sustainability in airfreight, in line with the CMA CGM Group’s ambitions,” emphasised Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO.