CMA CGM Air Cargo launched its first Transpacific route connecting Asia to North America as the carrier aims to build out U.S. connectivity as part of its larger global strategy, according to an Aug. 27 press release.
Initally announced in April, the freighter’s inaugural flight on Aug. 25 connected Hong Kong (HKG) to Chicago (ORD), with a technical stop in Anchorage (ANC). Westbound, the aircraft will depart ORD and touch down in Seoul (ICN) before landing back in Hong Kong.
The Transpacific route launch comes on the heels of CMA CGM Air Cargo’s third B777-200F delivery, which will be operated by Atlas Air, according to the press release. The service will operate three times per week and transport temperature sensitive goods, biotech and pharma products, industrial cargo and e-commerce goods, CMA CGM Air Cargo CEO Damien Mazaudier told Supply Chain Dive in an email.
CMA CGM Air Cargo will have five B777s in its freighter fleet by 2025 as it looks to grow available cargo capacity. The carrier expects to receive an additional B777-200F in Q4 of this year, with a third delivery in 2025, per the release. The two additional aircraft will be deployed on the Transpacific route, bringing weekly service frequencies to seven. CMA CGM also expects the delivery of eight A350 freighters, with the first in 2026, Mazaudier said.
The carrier currently has two B777-200F aircraft based in Paris (CDG), which serve routes between Europe and Greater China. CMA CGM Air Cargo operates five weekly flights to HKG and four to Shanghai.
Air freight players have been looking to tap into market demand ahead of peak season and growing e-commerce demand from Asia. Forwarder Dimerco Express Group, for instance, is planning a similar Transpacific service in September — albeit from Shanghai to Chicago. Other companies like DHL Express and UPS announced plans to implement peak season surcharges as shippers and freight forwarders brace for higher Q4 demand.
Editor’s Note: Alejandra Carranza contributed to this story.
