CMA CGM has created a ‘specialised’ air freight division as it expands its shipping and logistics business with new products and solutions for shippers.

The ocean shipping and logistics company is set to buy four 60-tonne-payload Airbus A330-200 freighters. These aircraft, which came into service between 2014 and 2016, can cover 4,000 nautical miles and will be operated by a European airline, the company said.

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CMA CGM said the air cargo division represents a major new component of the business in both operational and commercial terms.

“In response to the growing demand from our customers for agile logistics solutions, we are creating a new division within the CMA CGM Group dedicated to air transport: CMA CGM Air Cargo,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO.

“This division will launch with four Airbus A330-200F aircraft and will leverage commercial partnerships with airlines in order to deliver global coverage. This is a major milestone in the development of our logistics services,” he added.