In a dramatic restructuring of its business model, Air Belgium has retired its entire Airbus fleet and now operates solely with two Boeing 747-8F freighters. The move marks a strategic shift towards exclusive cargo and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services, as the airline reinvents itself amid financial restructuring and new ownership under CMA CGM.
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Air Belgium initially launched with ambitions of becoming a full-service airline offering long-haul passenger and cargo services. However, mounting operational costs, competition, and the aftermath of global aviation disruptions forced the airline to re-evaluate its business strategy.
In October 2023, the carrier suspended all scheduled passenger flights, citing financial difficulties and a desire to focus on more profitable business lines. This pivot became official in 2025 when Air Belgium phased out its Airbus A330-200, A330-900neo, and A330-200F aircraft, marking the end of its passenger and mixed-fleet operations.
Cargo-Centric Strategy: The Boeing 747-8F Advantage
Now fully committed to cargo, Air Belgium operates two Boeing 747-8F freighters—OE-LFC and OE-LFD. These aircraft are regarded as some of the most advanced cargo jets in the world. With a payload capacity of over 140 tonnes and a range of approximately 7,730 nautical miles, the 747-8F offers long-haul flexibility and the capability to transport oversized freight with nose-loading features.
These jets have already been used extensively by the Hongyuan Group, a major Chinese logistics partner and shareholder in Air Belgium. This relationship has allowed the airline to remain active on global cargo routes, especially between Europe and Asia. According to data from Boeing and Eurocontrol, the 747-8F is increasingly vital to meeting high-capacity demand in e-commerce and global supply chains.
Judicial Liquidation and CMA CGM Takeover
In a decisive development, Air Belgium was placed under judicial liquidation by the Commercial Court of Walloon Brabant in April 2025. This legal action paved the way for CMA CGM, the French global shipping and logistics conglomerate, to acquire the airline’s remaining freighter assets and cargo-focused operations.
The acquisition is strategic for CMA CGM, which has been expanding its footprint in air freight to complement its vast maritime network. Under the new ownership, Air Belgium retains its base of operations in Belgium, including cargo handling at Brussels Airport (BRU), while benefiting from CMA CGM’s financial support and global logistics reach.
As per the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, the transfer of ownership also allows Air Belgium to maintain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and continue functioning under its brand, albeit with a new cargo-exclusive mission.
ACMI Model and Market Opportunities
In addition to regular cargo operations, Air Belgium has adopted the ACMI model. This service provides aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance to other airlines needing short-term or flexible fleet capacity. The ACMI model has gained popularity in recent years as global airlines adjust to shifting passenger and cargo demand.
Industry analysts from Eurocontrol and IATA forecast continued growth in ACMI contracts, particularly in the European market, where post-pandemic fleet constraints and seasonal demand spikes have left carriers scrambling for aircraft. Air Belgium’s Boeing 747-8F freighters, known for their reliability and capacity, are well-positioned to serve these niche requirements.
Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
Air Belgium’s focus on a simplified fleet of Boeing 747-8Fs is also a nod to sustainability and efficiency. The 747-8F burns less fuel per tonne of cargo than older aircraft, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, its nose-loading feature and spacious main deck make it ideal for specialized freight, including automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace equipment.
Brussels Airport, known for its logistics and pharmaceutical freight handling capabilities, has further enhanced its infrastructure to support large freighter operations. According to Brussels Airport Company, the site is one of the few European hubs equipped for round-the-clock cargo operations, making it an optimal base for Air Belgium’s growth.
Looking Ahead: A Cargo-Driven Future
With the passenger chapter firmly closed, Air Belgium’s future is now fully tied to the dynamics of global cargo. Backed by CMA CGM’s expansive network and expertise, the airline plans to scale its freighter operations and potentially add more Boeing 747-8Fs or other wide-body freighters to meet demand.
The continued rise of e-commerce, pharma logistics, and global just-in-time manufacturing all point to a growing market for dedicated cargo carriers. Belgium’s strategic location in Europe, combined with robust logistics infrastructure and government support for aviation development, provides an ideal platform for Air Belgium’s evolution.
As the airline charts this new course, it is also expected to deepen partnerships across Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The move reinforces Belgium’s role not just as a tourism hub, but also as a high-performing node in the global freight network.
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