The CMA CGM Group has signed a preliminary agreement for the acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions, which specialises 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 has been a partner of CMA CGM Air since 2024 and already contributes to the maintenance of its fleet.
The company specialises in line maintenance and light maintenance activities, supporting airlines and third-party operators and deploying its teams on international engine support operations, particularly in Africa and Asia.
CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions is part of its strategy to continue developing its airfreight activities and will provide it with steady aircraft maintenance expertise to ensure the operational availability of its fleet.
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, 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.”
The CMA CGM Group operates a fleet of eight freighters, including five Boeing 777Fs, two Boeing 747Fs and one Airbus A330F.
The fleet will be expanded from 2027 with the delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs. Last year, CMA CGM became the launch customer for the A350F following Air Lease’s decision to cancel its order for seven of the new generation aircraft.
