MSC taking majority ownership of AlisCargo AirlinesMSC taking majority ownership of AlisCargo Airlines

The transaction to buy a majority stake is the first step towards MSC acquiring 100% of AlisCargo Airlines. The acquisition is expected to occur in early 2024, when AlisCargo Airlines will restart operations with the delivery of a Boeing 777F.

AlisCargo previously operated a fleet of four Boeing 777’s but ceased operations in late 2022, requesting a license suspension, as demand waned post-pandemic. The sale to MSC would be finalised once Italian regulators clear AlisCargo to restart services.

MSC Air Cargo Senior Vice President, Jannie Davel, stated: “The acquisition of a majority share in AlisCargo Airlines is a step towards expanding MSC’s Air Cargo solution capabilities, and ultimately providing our customers with a quality and consistent offering.

MSC Air Cargo was set up in September last year following similar moves by its largest competitors is the container shipping business – CMA CGM and Maersk. The Geneva-headquartered line had previously made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire a majority stake in Alitalia successor ITA Airways.

MSC Air Cargo operates two aircraft managed by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, Central America and Asia and plans to add two more in the next six months.