CMA CGM AIR CARGO Launches First Transpacific Line with New Boeing 777-200F

CMA CGM AIR CARGO has announced the delivery of its third Boeing 777-200F on August 18, 2024. This 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. 

A new milestone in CMA CGM AIR CARGO's global expansion 

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). 

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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.  

A third B777F delivery will take place in 2025, meaning that CMA CGM AIR CARGO will be offering a total of five B777Fs to 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. 

Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, says, “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."

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. 

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