Air Belgium Makes Bold Move: Ditches Airbus Fleet and Doubles Down on Two Boeing 747-8F Freighters

Air Belgium, based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, has made a massive decision regarding its fleet, with the retirement of all of its Airbus aeroplanes as the airline is now left with only two Boeing 747-8F Freighters. Bold move This bold act is a step of Paradigm shift of the airline, looking at cargo and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) going forward.

A Major Shift in Operational Focus

Air Belgium, which was founded in 2016, initially operated both passenger and cargo services. However, due to ongoing financial challenges and operational inefficiencies, the airline made the decision to cease its scheduled passenger flights in October 2023. This decision was part of a broader strategy to focus on more profitable cargo and ACMI operations. The retirement of its Airbus fleet, which included Airbus A330-200, A330-200F, and A330-900neo aircraft, aligns with this new direction, allowing the airline to streamline its operations and reduce its overheads .

With this shift, the airline now exclusively operates two Boeing 747-8F freighters, marking a departure from its previous mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The Boeing 747-8F, a long-haul freighter with impressive payload and range capabilities, is particularly well-suited for the logistics and freight operations that Air Belgium now focuses on .

The Boeing 747-8F: A Strategic Asset for Cargo Operations

The Boeing 747-8F is the latest and largest variant of the iconic Boeing 747 series, designed specifically for cargo operations. With a maximum payload capacity of over 140 tonnes and a range of approximately 7,730 nautical miles, the 747-8F is one of the most advanced freighters in the market today. Its ability to carry large, heavy, and oversized cargo on its spacious main deck has made it a popular choice for long-haul cargo flights .

For Air Belgium, these two Boeing 747-8F aircraft (OE-LFC and OE-LFD) have become critical assets in their cargo operations. They are capable of transporting a wide variety of goods, including high-value and time-sensitive freight, and have been used extensively by Hongyuan Group, a Chinese logistics company that is both a shareholder in Air Belgium and one of its key partners . The two Boeing 747-8F freighters have enabled Air Belgium to maintain its competitive edge in the logistics industry by offering reliable, efficient, and large-scale cargo transport.

Financial Restructuring and New Ownership

In a significant development, Air Belgium was placed under judicial liquidation by the Commercial Court of Walloon Brabant in April 2025. This move was a result of the airline’s ongoing financial challenges, and it opened the door for the airline’s assets to be acquired by CMA CGM, a French shipping and logistics giant. CMA CGM’s acquisition of Air Belgium focused on its cargo operations and the remaining fleet of Boeing 747-8F and Airbus A330-200F freighters.

CMA CGM’s acquisition marks a turning point for Air Belgium, as the airline now operates under new ownership while continuing to retain its Belgian base and operations at Brussels Airport. This acquisition provides the airline with the financial backing it needs to grow its cargo operations further and invest in its future . Under the ownership of CMA CGM, Air Belgium will continue to operate under the same brand, though the focus on cargo services will now be more pronounced.

The Path Forward: Cargo and ACMI Services

With the retirement of its Airbus fleet and a streamlined focus on cargo services, Air Belgium’s future appears to be increasingly tied to the growing demand for air freight. The cargo industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by global supply chains, e-commerce, and the need for expedited shipping of goods. By concentrating on its Boeing 747-8F freighters, Air Belgium is positioning itself to cater to the growing needs of the logistics sector .

The airline has also embraced the ACMI model, which offers aircraft leasing services along with pilots and crew, maintenance, and insurance, to both cargo operators and other airlines. This model provides Air Belgium with a steady revenue stream, particularly from airlines that require additional aircraft capacity for certain periods or routes. This diversification of services is expected to offer the airline a more stable financial outlook moving forward.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

By consolidating its fleet around the Boeing 747-8F freighters, Air Belgium will be able to achieve greater operational efficiency. The 747-8F’s advanced technology allows for reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared to older models, contributing to the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the aircraft’s cargo hold design and nose-loading capabilities offer flexibility for a range of cargo types, from standard freight to oversized or irregularly shaped items, providing further opportunities for the airline to tap into specialized markets .

This approach is expected to improve the profitability of the airline’s operations and solidify its position as a key player in the European cargo market. Air Belgium’s focus on offering high-quality, reliable cargo services will likely attract a broad range of customers, including global logistics companies, e-commerce giants, and manufacturers looking for a dependable air cargo partner .

Future Outlook

Going forward, the future of Air Belgium is closely linked to how its cargo arm develops. CMA CGM’s backing will allow the airline to grow its Boeing 747-8F fleet and access new markets. There is also possibility of more ACMI growth, since there is still widely high demand for more air capacity, all over the world.

As the cargo-empowering programme progresses at the airline, it is likely to evolve to meet market demand and remain a relevant force within the fast-evolving logistics market. After the gradual retirement of the Airbus and the fleet consolidation around the Boeing 747-8F, Air Belgium is ready for a challenging new chapter to further develop, innovate and excel in the exciting world of cargo services.