air-cargo

CMA CGM Air Cargo Launches Vietnam-France Freighter Service

CMA CGM Air Cargo has begun operations on a new freighter route connecting Vietnam and France, capitalizing on robust cargo demand from the Southeast Asian nation. The carrier deployed a Boeing 777 freighter with 100-tonne capacity on the Paris-Hanoi corridor beginning May 9, with a stop in Uzbekistan on return flights. Vietnam's airfreight market expanded more than 18% to 4 million tonnes recently, driven by manufacturers relocating production from China to sidestep U.S. tariffs. Tech giants including Samsung, LG, Pegatron and Foxconn have significantly expanded Vietnamese operations. Electronics exports surged over 45% in early 2026. The expansion faces headwinds from Middle East fuel shortages forcing routing adjustments and congestion at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, prompting forwarders to develop off-airport facilities and manage escalating backlogs on European and North American services.