PARIS/MARSEILLE: Air France-KLM and CMA CGM have signed a 10-year exclusive partnership that could result in a 9.0 percent stake in the airline group and a Board seat for the French logistics company’s president and CEO Rodolphe Saadé.

The deal will result in a multimodal, end-to-end supply chain sales and service network with 750 warehouses, 400 offices and 390 handling stations in 160 countries.

The combined airfreight capacity will eventually include 22 A330, A350, B777 and B747 freighters plus the belly space of 160 Air France and KLM long-haul aircraft.

The companies say the partnership is expected to generate significant revenue synergies including the design and implementation of a single freighter network and enhanced products and services.

They also share an ambition to be ‘net-zero’ in carbon emissions by 2050. Air France-KLM is a pioneer in the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and CMA CGM operates an increasing number of LNG-powered containerships.

“This partnership is fully in line with CMA CGM's strategy and its ambition to become a leader in integrated logistics, for the benefit of its customers. Through our stake in the company, Air France-KLM will be able to count on us to support its future development,” commented Saadé.

In the past three years CMA CGM has acquired CEVA Logistics, Ingram Micro’s Commerce & Lifecycle Services (CLS), Colis Privé and GEFCO. Last year it launched an air cargo division with A330 freighters.