CMA CGM Air Cargo has recently reconnected with the ECS group after parting ways with AF-KLM. This move follows the departure of Peter Penseel, a seasoned air cargo executive, who left CMA to lead Delta Cargo in the US. The partnership between CMA and ECS will involve a hybrid approach, with CMA handling sales in certain larger countries like France, Germany, and China, while ECS will manage commercial operations in smaller countries. There are uncertainties regarding CMA’s entry into the US market and whether they will collaborate with ECS for sales. ECS has expressed satisfaction with CMA’s return as a customer and has promised customized cooperation models to adapt to market fluctuations and local needs. However, the industry remains challenging for both airlines and GSAs, with e-commerce dominating a significant portion of the air cargo market. Big GSAs are facing financial struggles due to reduced airline commissions and lower business volumes. ECS Group, under the ownership of private equity firm Naxicap, is also under pressure to perform as Naxicap may be looking to divest its ownership in the next few years.
