CMA CGM launches new freighter route between Paris and Mumbai

CMA CGM Air Cargo has launched a new freighter route between Paris, France and Mumbai, India, as part of its new partnership with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP). The freighter airline, which received its air carrier certificate from the French Civil Aviation Authority in June last year, said it began serving the route with an A330F aircraft undertaking four weekly flights from May 12. “Bombay (Mumbai) airport is a major hub offering adapted infrastructures for intermodal connections in the region,” said CMA CGM. “This new destination is part of our strategic partnership with the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Group and complements the existing offer to give you even more options for your air transport needs.” AFKLMP and CMA CGM Air Cargo officially launched their capacity partnership in April. The initiative was first announced in May last year, when CMA CGM said it planned to purchase a 9% stake in Air France-KLM Group as part of a new 10-year partnership that would see the airline and shipping group combine their fleets. The partnership means the two carriers are now jointly operating the full-freighter aircraft capacity of their respective airlines, initially including CMA CGM’s six freighter aircraft and AFKLMP’s six freighters. The commercial partnership also covers Air France-KLM’s belly aircraft capacity, including more than 160 long-haul aircraft.