CMA CGM Bids to Acquire Air Belgium’s Cargo Operations

French shipping giant CMA CGM has submitted a proposal to acquire Air Belgium’s cargo division. 

The bid comes after the Walloon Brabant business court recently overturned Air One Belgium’s attempted takeover of Air Belgium. Air One Belgium, a consortium made up of PESO Aviation Management and Air One Holding International, has appealed the decision, with a hearing scheduled for April 3. 

CMA CGM’s offer, set to be reviewed by the court later this month, includes acquiring Air Belgium’s cargo operations while maintaining the airline’s branding and its fleet of four aircraft. 

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM launched its air cargo division in March 2021. The company currently operates four freighters, with two additional aircraft expected to join the fleet this year. By 2026, CMA CGM Air Cargo plans to expand its capacity further with the introduction of eight new-generation A350 freighters.