CMA CGM Air Cargo Officially Launches Freighter Route to Vietnam Amid a Red-Hot Market

CMA CGM Air Cargo has officially incorporated Vietnam into its aviation network through a dedicated freighter route connecting Hanoi to France, against the backdrop of rapidly growing air freight demand out of Vietnam fueled by the global supply chain relocation wave.

However, alongside this impressive growth, the market is also grappling with a host of pressures regarding fuel, infrastructure, and escalating freight rates.

CMA CGM Air Cargo Officially Touches Down in Vietnam

According to tracking data from FlightRadar24, CMA CGM Air Cargo operated its maiden flight to Noi Bai International Airport on May 9.

The flight originated from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and made a technical stop at Navoi International Airport (Uzbekistan) on its return leg. A second flight on the same routing was operated on May 12.

The new service is operated using a Boeing 777 Freighter with a payload capacity of approximately 100 tons per flight.

CMA CGM Air Cargo's presence in Vietnam was also confirmed by Krisztian Zajak, the carrier's Ground Operations Manager, via a LinkedIn post.

Vietnam Continues to Reap the Benefits of the Supply Chain Shift

CMA CGM's network expansion unfolds as the Vietnamese air freight market experiences rapid growth.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), air cargo throughput last year reached nearly 1.4 million tons, an increase of over 18% year-over-year.

This growth trajectory is primarily fueled by the manufacturing expansion of global tech and electronics conglomerates in Vietnam, as many enterprises accelerate strategies to diversify their supply chains outside of China to mitigate risks from US trade and tariff policies.

Data from Vietnam Global indicates that Vietnam's export turnover rose by roughly 20% in the first four months of the year. The computers, electronics, and components sector alone surged by over 45%.

Major corporations such as Samsung, LG, Pegatron, and Foxconn continue to expand their manufacturing footprints in Vietnam, consequently driving a sharp increase in air cargo demand.

Fuel Shortages and Infrastructure Congestion Exert Massive Pressure

Despite immense growth potential, Vietnam's aviation logistics sector still faces significant challenges.

A prominent issue is the fuel shortage stemming from prolonged tensions in the Middle East.

Freight forwarder Kuehne+Nagel reported that cargo charter flights originating from Vietnam have recently had to add stops in China to refuel before embarking on long-haul journeys to Europe or North America.

Additionally, overload at aviation hubs is straining the operational chain.

Nippon Express stated it had to apply for a Container Freight Station (CFS) license for an off-airport cargo handling facility in Hanoi to alleviate the load on the cargo processing area at Noi Bai Airport, which is currently experiencing localized congestion.

Meanwhile, Dimerco also noted cargo backlogs on routes bound for Europe and North America.

Rates Surge as Demand Outstrips Capacity

Pressure from capacity constraints and elevated operating costs is pushing air freight rates out of Vietnam significantly higher.

According to market sources, average rates from Vietnam to the US are currently about 40% higher year-over-year, hovering above $7/kg for both contract and spot cargo.

Meanwhile, freight rates to Europe have increased by roughly 10–15%, with prevailing rates around $5.5/kg.

The magnetism of the Vietnamese market is not just attracting CMA CGM Air Cargo. Since the beginning of the year, several other air freight carriers have also beefed up their presence here, notably MyFreighter adding flights to Hanoi and MasKargo rolling out new freighter routes to Ho Chi Minh City.

This development demonstrates that Vietnam is increasingly becoming a critical link in the regional air logistics network, particularly as global supply chains continue to undergo robust restructuring.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Air Cargo News)

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