The French CMA CGM Group is continuing to expand its portfolio – not only at sea, but also in the air. The aircraft maintenance service provider Crystal Aero Solutions is set to be taken over by the major group shortly.
The transport company, which also owns CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest liner shipping company, announced that it had reached a preliminary agreement with Crystal Aero Solutions regarding a takeover. This move will enable the group to diversify into the air freight sector as well. According to the company, the deal is intended to drive the growth of CMA CGM Air Cargo, increase the fleet’s operational readiness and strengthen its presence at “strategically important” locations in Europe.
Crystal Aero Solutions specialises in maintenance services for cargo and passenger aircraft. So-called “line maintenance” and light maintenance work are essential for the operation of aircraft, according to CMA CGM. The company also operates global teams specialising in engine repairs, particularly in Africa and Asia. Its headquarters are located at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, with further sites in Brussels and Liège in Belgium. Crystal Aero Solutions has been involved in fleet maintenance as a partner of CMA CGM Air Cargo since 2024.
CMA CGM announced that this transaction would enable Crystal Aero Solutions to enter a new phase of development by leveraging the CMA CGM Group’s international reach and resources. The company will benefit from new business opportunities, operational synergies and broader access to new markets, with the aim of consolidating its position among the leading providers of aircraft maintenance services.
Crystal Aero Solutions remains independent
Crystal Aero Solutions will retain its status as an independent maintenance service provider following the acquisition. The company will continue to expand its activities for all customers – including airlines and third-party operators – it said. The current management team will also remain in place.
“This transaction marks a new milestone in the development of our air freight activities,” said Damien Mazaudier, Senior Vice President of the Air Division at the CMA CGM Group. “Given our growing fleet, we can count on the expertise and know-how of the teams at Crystal Aero Solutions to support our operations at various strategic locations and drive the further growth of CMA CGM Air Cargo. We are also delighted to foster the continued growth of Crystal Aero Solutions whilst maintaining its position as an independent provider for all its customers.”
CMA CGM Air Cargo has been operating since 2021 and forms part of CMA CGM’s strategy to offer a “comprehensive portfolio of solutions for sea, land and air transport, as well as logistics”. This approach enables the Group to provide its customers with bespoke multimodal solutions right through to the “last mile”.
The CMA CGM Group currently operates a fleet of eight cargo aircraft: five Boeing 777Fs, one Airbus A330F and two Boeing 747Fs. From 2027, the fleet will be expanded with the delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs. These aircraft will operate from strategic hubs in France, the US and Belgium, ensuring connectivity to the most important international air freight routes.
In the first quarter of 2026, the CMA CGM Group posted lower-than-expected profits, particularly in its shipping division – which remains the company’s largest business segment. This was due to the volatile market conditions of recent months; however, the Group considers itself well-positioned for the coming year. The fleet continues to grow: the shipping company recently commissioned the container ship “CMA CGM Notre Dame” . With a capacity of over 24,000 TEU, it is the largest ship flying the French flag. (JW)
