Global shipping giant CMA CGM has recently confirmed that its bid to acquire the cargo business of Belgian airline Air Belgium has been approved by the court, and the transaction process is now moving forward.

Air Belgium’s Bankruptcy and CMA CGM’s Successful Bid

Air Belgium, facing financial difficulties, declared bankruptcy, and its cargo business attracted multiple bids. Among the contenders, Air One and Dutch Peso Aviation submitted acquisition proposals but were disqualified after failing to meet key procedural deadlines set by the court. CMA CGM’s acquisition proposal was selected by the bankruptcy administrator and was eventually confirmed as the valid bid by the court.

CMA CGM stated in a press release: "CMA CGM Group confirms that our acquisition proposal has been selected by the bankruptcy administrator and recognized by the court in the Air Belgium acquisition process. Our goal is to ensure the continued operation of Air Belgium’s cargo business. We are currently advancing the transaction in accordance with relevant legal procedures."

Scope of the Acquisition: Brand, Aircraft, and Operations

CMA CGM’s bid primarily focuses on Air Belgium’s cargo business, including the brand name, operational rights, and its four freighter aircraft. Air Belgium currently operates two Airbus A330-300F aircraft (with an average age of 18 years), primarily for Hongyuan Group, one of which is currently grounded. The airline also owns two Boeing 747-8F aircraft (with an average age of 12 years), also serving Hongyuan Group.

Meanwhile, the Dutch bidder, Peso Aviation, has appealed the court’s decision, claiming that the ruling was based on incorrect information. The court is set to hear the appeal this Thursday, but it remains uncertain whether the appeal will affect the final outcome, given that CMA CGM’s bid has already been recognized.

CMA CGM’s Aviation Expansion, Future Development Worth Watching

CMA CGM has been actively expanding its air freight business. Its fleet currently includes one Airbus A330-200F and three Boeing 777F aircraft, with one of the 777Fs operated by Atlas Air and two still on order. Additionally, CMA CGM has placed an order for eight Airbus A350F aircraft, expected to begin delivery in 2026.

In fact, CMA CGM had already established a partnership with Air Belgium in 2021, signing a CMI (Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) agreement under which Air Belgium operated two A330-200F freighters for CMA CGM. Therefore, this acquisition aligns with CMA CGM’s strategy for air freight development and will further enhance its competitiveness in the European market.

Key Future Issues: Employee Retention and Operational Adjustments

Unlike Air One, which promised to retain half of Air Belgium’s 400 employees, CMA CGM’s plans remain unclear. This factor is considered one of the key considerations for the court when evaluating the acquisition proposal. If CMA CGM can effectively manage employee placement and ensure a stable business transition, it will undoubtedly lay a stronger foundation for its aviation business expansion.

As global competition in the air cargo market intensifies, if CMA CGM successfully completes this acquisition, it will further strengthen its position in the global air logistics sector while enhancing its sea-air intermodal service capabilities.