Since 2020, several Cargo airlines have emerged in Europe, which has expanded the sector and has addressed increasing demand for freight transport. One example is Air Belgium Cargo, launched in 2021, and uses the experience of the parent company to provide dedicated cargo ship services in Europe. Another striking newcomer is Global Supply Systems, a British carrier who started in 2021 with ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) services for Cargo Airlines.
In addition, AirBaltic Cargo has strengthened its cargo network with specialized cargo ship services, offering connections in Europe and beyond. These carriers, along with others, contributed to the rapid growth of the cartilage, especially in the post-pandemic recovery period, where air freight is of the utmost importance for global supply chains.
Here are a variety of newcomers.
European cargo
Founded in the United Kingdom in December 2020, European cargo started with Airbus A340-600 with Airbus A340-600, and initially focused on urgent PPE charter requests during the pandemic. Since then, the airline has expanded its network and offered routes such as Bournemouth to Chengdu.
The airline was devised by “an enterprise vision” during the pandemic, and used the passenger aircraft converted to P-2-F (passenger to cargo ship) Configuration. With more than 400 charter flights completed, European freight is the world’s only A340-600F operator under an approved STC. The innovative approach has positioned the airline as a formidable player in the global air freight industry. In addition, the airline played an important role in converting Bournemouth International Airport in southern England into a reliable and cost-effective air freight hub.
Cma cgm air freight
The airline, which was launched by the French shipping group CMA CGM in February 2021, began four Airbus A330-200FS, based on Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The Navy has since expanded to include Boeing 777Fs, with plans for further growth.
To meet the increasing demand for Agile Logistics solutions, CMA CGM introduced this dedicated air freight department, supplementing its existing maritime, intermodal and logistics services. This expansion enables the business to support its customers throughout the transport and logistics chain.
By 2025, two additional Boeing 777 trucks were to the fleet, followed by eight next generation A350 trucks in 2026, each with a cargo capacity of 104 tonnes, further improving CMA CGM’s air freight.
One air
One air, founded in the UK in 2021 and since July 2023, specializes in air freight services with a fleet of Boeing 747-400 trucks. The airline offers global AD-HOC full charter flights, which connect the most important global air freight markets, focusing on China and Hong Kong. One air, which works mainly from East Midlands airport, supports short -term air freight projects, which provide extra capacity during the high season or for intensive flight programs. In February 2025, one air held a special “LHR Open Day” for qualified candidates to investigate current vacancies in the work on engineering, pilots (777 and 747) and operations, including roles such as maintenance control manager, senior first officer and different posts in compliance, safety and planning.
Compass Cargo Airlines
This Bulgarian cargo aircraft, founded in 2021, operates a fleet consisting of Boeing 737-800SF and Boeing 747-400F aircraft. From Q1 2024, the fleet completed 6.044 cycles, 9,679 block hours accumulated and 77.283 tons of cargo transported. By August 31, 2024, the Navy flew a further 4,157 block hours, with 36,032 tons over 1.975 sectors. The airline’s Boeing 737SF fleet is one of the world’s largest courier in Europe, while the Boeing 747F flies across continents. This success is supported by certification of the UK, the US and China.
Msc air freight
MSC Air Cargo, who was launched by the Mediterranean shipping business at the end of 2022, started with Boeing 777F aircraft. The airline started with income flights in December 2022 and has plans for the expansion of the Navy. MSC Air Cargo celebrates a milestone in July 2024 with the launch of its first commercial flight from Milan Malpensa Airport to Hong Kong International Airport. This new route, which works twice a week, was the beginning of MSC Air Cargo’s extensive Airfreight network. The event also celebrates the arrival of MSC’s fifth aircraft, the Boeing 777-200 cargo ship (I-MSCA), operated by Aliscargo Airlines.
In August 2023, Sas Shipping Agencies Services Sàrl, a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, acquired Aliscargo Airlines and completed the full acquisition recently. This move reinforces MSC Air Cargo’s position in the air freight industry and increases its capabilities with the addition of the Boeing 777-200 cargo ship, a modern aircraft that supports MSC’s commitment to innovation and Italian heritage.
Jannie Davel, senior vice president of MSC Air Cargo, emphasized the importance of the acquisition and the addition of the Boeing 777, which will improve operational efficiency and improve the company’s customer service.
