Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is diversifying its transportation and logistics services with the development of an air cargo arm.
MSC Air Cargo has been in development for several months and the solution will be available from early 2023, following the delivery of the first of four MSC-branded Boeing 777-200F aircraft. The leased equipment will be operated by Atlas Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings.
Jannie Davel, formerly of Delta Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo and DHL, has been appointed to develop the new business unit and to build the team.
MSC ceo, Soren Toft, said: “This is our first step into this market and we plan to continue exploring various avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements our core business of container shipping.”
AP Moller Maersk introduced its own air cargo business this year with the launch of Maersk Air Cargo. It took the decision to purchase two new B777Fs that will be delivered in 2024, and lease three B767-300Fs that will become operational next year.
Rival shipping line CMA CGM has also launched an air cargo business and became one of the first companies to order Airbus’ A350F. Airbus said that four of the units had been ordered by the carrier. CMA CGM’s total Airbus fleet will stand at nine aircraft, including five A330-200F models.
