Air Belgium

Established in 2016 by aviation veteran Niky Terzakis, Air Belgium S.A. has navigated a dynamic path, transitioning from a passenger-focused airline to a specialized cargo operator. Terzakis, with a rich background including leadership roles at TNT Airways, envisioned an airline to connect Belgium with long-haul destinations. The company commenced passenger flights in June 2018, initially linking Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Hong Kong. However, the airline soon pivoted, focusing on ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services for other major carriers like Air France and British Airways.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point, accelerating the company's shift towards air freight. Air Belgium adapted by converting passenger aircraft for medical transport and formally launched dedicated cargo operations in 2021 with a fleet based at Liège Airport. This strategic move proved crucial for the airline's trajectory. After facing financial turbulence and undergoing judicial reorganization in late 2023, the company ceased its passenger operations to focus entirely on its more robust cargo and ACMI business. This culminated in the acquisition of Air Belgium's cargo activities by the French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM in April 2025. Following the takeover, the original corporate entity was liquidated, but CMA CGM retained the Air Belgium brand as part of its air freight division, preserving 124 jobs.

Today, operating under the CMA CGM umbrella, Air Belgium provides a range of B2B cargo services. Its core business revolves around cargo ACMI/CMI (wet lease) solutions, offering both long-term and short-term aircraft leasing to other global airlines. The company also provides on-demand cargo charter services, catering to the needs of top-tier shippers, freight forwarders, and manufacturers for everything from urgent shipments to oversized items. Its business model generates revenue through these leasing and charter contracts. The airline's fleet includes Boeing 747-8F and Airbus A330-243F freighter aircraft, operating from its base at Brussels Airport.

Keywords: Air Belgium, cargo airline, ACMI, wet lease, CMI, air freight, charter services, freight forwarding, logistics, CMA CGM, Niky Terzakis, Brussels Airport, Liège Airport, aircraft leasing, Boeing 747-8F, Airbus A330-200F, air cargo solutions, European air freight, B2B aviation services, aviation logistics