ECS Group becomes GSSA for CMA CGM Air Cargo

The ECS Group has been appointed as the general sales and service agent (GSSA) for CMA CGM Air Cargo, effective April 1.

“With 9 flights per week between Paris and China/HKG (Hong Kong International), on B777 aircraft, ECS Group is committed to providing customers with transparent and efficient access to leading air transport solutions, optimising CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s commercial performance and strengthening its presence in the air freight market,” said ECS Group.

The GSSA deal follows MSC Air Cargo’s decision in February to end its GSSA partnership with the ECS Group, which had been the airline’s GSSA in North America, Europe and Mexico since May last year.

ECS Group said it will work with CMA CGM Air Cargo, a subsidiary of French shipping company CMA CGM, to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and technological innovation.

Through its augmented GSSA model, ECS will offer CMA CGM tailor-made cooperation models, with the aim of ensuring adaptability to market fluctuations and local requirements. These customised solutions will be crafted to meet the specific needs and challenges of CMA CGM.

Adrien Thominet, executive chairman of ECS Group, said: “Collaborating with CMA CGM AIR CARGO represents a unique opportunity to combine ECS Group’s expertise in GSSA with CMA CGM AIR CARGO assets. Together, we are determined to pave the way in air freight transport, offering innovative solutions and operational excellence to our clients worldwide.”

CMA CGM Air Cargo launched in March 2021. According to its website, the airline currently has three Airbus A330Fs and two Boeing 777Fs, with plans to add three new 777s this year and and four A350Fs from 2026. In January, Air France KLM Group and CMA CGM decided to end their cargo capacity partnership due to the constraints of a “tight regulatory environment”.

The ECS Group is planning further acquisitions, following three takeover deals in recent months.

ECS Group back on the acquisition trail

MSC Air Cargo goes it alone as GSA partnership with ECS ends

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM end capacity partnership