French container giant CMA CGM becomes shareholder of Air France KLM. The logistics group deposits in the greenhouse and thus acquires a 9% interest. The intention is that CMA will sell freight for Air France KLM, and that the two will combine their freight fleet. CMA would supplant the Netherlands as the third largest shareholder.
The consequences for KLM are not yet clear, says Dario Fucci foreman of the KLM works council. He is positive about the deal. “This is a big step, comparable to the intensive cooperation we already have in the area of transit, for example with the American Delta.”
KLM itself says that there are no consequences, because there is a ‘commercial’ collaboration. CEO Benjamin Smith of the aviation combination said on Wednesday that he was happy that CMA “wants to invest directly in the group”. Insiders call the collaboration with CMA a ‘smart move by Smith’.