CMA CGM Air Cargo launches transpacific route with latest 777F
27 / 08 / 2024
CMA CGM AIR Cargo 777-200F. Photo: CMA CGM
CMA CGM Air Cargo has started a new transpacific route between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) using its recently delivered third Boeing 777-200 freighter operated by Atlas Air.
The first commercial flight took place on August 25, connecting HKG to ORD with a technical stop at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). On the westbound leg, the aircraft operates from ORD to HKG via Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul.
Two additional 777-200F are also due to be delivered to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)-based CMA CGM Air Cargo within the next year.
A second 777-200F will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on a transpacific route, connecting mainland China to North America. There will then be a total of seven frequencies per week on the transpacific.
A third 777F will also be delivered in 2025 to give CMA CGM Air Cargo a total of five 777Fs.
Since 2022, two 777-200Fs operated by CMA CGM Air Cargo have been serving routes between Europe and Greater China, with five flights per week to Hong Kong and four flights per week to Shanghai.
Damien Mazaudier, chief executive of CMA CGM Air Cargo, said: “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.”
CMA CGM Air Cargo updated its fleet plans in April following the breakdown of its partnership with Air France KLM. The airline was previously due to take delivery of two 777-200Fs and four Airbus A350Fs, but this has now been expanded to three 777Fs and eight A350Fs.
CMA CGM switches up fleet plans with four additional A350Fs and an extra 777F
