CMA CGM Group expands into aircraft maintenance with Crystal Aero Solutions

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, announces the signing of a preliminary agreement with a view to acquiring Crystal Aero Solutions, a company specialized in aircraft maintenance services for both cargo and passenger aircraft.

Based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and also present in Brussels and Liège, Crystal Aero Solutions specializes in line maintenance and light maintenance activities, which are essential to ensuring aircraft operational availability. The company supports airlines and third-party operators, and also deploys its teams on 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.

The acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions is part of the CMA CGM Group’s strategy to continue developing its air freight activities. It will enable the Group to rely on recognized aircraft maintenance expertise to support the growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, enhance the operational availability of its fleet and strengthen its presence across several strategic platforms in Europe. The transaction will be completed following the completion of the legally required employee information and consultation process.
 

A new phase of development for Crystal Aero Solutions
This transaction will enable Crystal Aero Solutions to enter a new phase of development by leveraging the international scale and resources of the CMA CGM Group. Crystal Aero Solutions will benefit from new business opportunities, operational synergies and broader access to new markets, with the ambition of strengthening its position among leading aircraft maintenance providers.
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.

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. We are also pleased to support the continued growth of Crystal Aero Solutions while preserving its position as an independent provider serving all of its customers.”

An air freight offering that complements logistics and maritime solutions
Launched in March 2021, CMA CGM AIR CARGO represents a further step in the implementation of the CMA CGM Group’s strategy to offer a comprehensive range of sea, land, air and logistics solutions. This approach enables the Group to provide customers with tailor-made multimodal solutions all the way to the last mile.
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 be expanded from 2027 with the delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs.
These aircraft operate from strategic hubs located in France, the United States and Belgium, ensuring optimal connectivity across major international air freight routes.