CMA CGM signs preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, boost air cargo maintenance
The transaction remains subject to completion of legally required employee information and consultation processes.
FRANCE – The CMA CGM Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, a company specializing in aircraft line and light maintenance services, to support the growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO and enhance the operational availability of its freighter fleet.
The acquisition is part of the Group’s strategy to continue developing its air freight activities and strengthen its presence across several strategic platforms in Europe.
Strategic Maintenance Integration
Based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and present in Brussels and Liège, Crystal Aero Solutions specializes in line and light maintenance essential to ensuring aircraft operational availability.
The company supports airlines and third-party operators, deploying its teams for international engine support operations, particularly in Africa and Asia. A partner of CMA CGM AIR CARGO since 2024, it already contributes to the maintenance of its fleet.
Fleet Expansion and Operational Support
Today, the CMA CGM Group operates a fleet of eight freighter aircraft: five Boeing 777Fs, one Airbus A330F, and two Boeing 747Fs. The fleet will expand starting in 2027 with the delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs.
The acquisition will enable CMA CGM AIR CARGO to draw on recognized aircraft maintenance expertise to support growth, enhance fleet operational availability, and strengthen its presence across several strategic platforms in Europe.
Independent Operation and Management Continuity
Crystal Aero Solutions will retain its position as an independent maintenance services provider and will continue developing its activities for all its customers, including airlines and third-party operators.
The company will continue to be led by its current management team, which will support this new phase of growth. The transaction remains subject to completion of legally required employee information and consultation processes.
Damien Mazaudier, Senior Vice President of the Air Division of the CMA CGM Group, said: “This transaction marks a new milestone in the development of our air freight activities. As our fleet continues to grow, we will be able to rely on the expertise and know-how of Crystal Aero Solutions’ teams to support our operations across several strategic platforms and support the continued growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO.”
This transaction supports the continued growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO while positioning the Group to provide customers with comprehensive sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, ensuring operational availability across its expanding freighter fleet and strategic hub network.
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