MSC has acquired a majority stake in AlisCargo Airlines, a Milan-based air freight carrier, with the transaction being the first step towards MSC acquiring 100 per cent 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.
The agreement supports MSC Air Cargo’s goal of expanding its existing trade lane network with improved coverage and greater flexibility.
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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.
“I am equally proud that we have found a partner that shares a common vision with us and has built a strong foundation for which we hope to further develop.”
The majority selling party is represented by the Leali Group, led by Domenico Alcide Leali who, after the success with Air Dolomiti started AlisCargo Airlines in 2019.
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Giacomo Manzon, General Manager of AlisCargo Airlines, said: “I am proud to see a group like MSC entering as a major shareholder of AlisCargo Airlines and developing further the project that Leali Group has initiated. I am thankful for MSC’s trust in us, and we will work hard together to make it a success story.”
MSC Air Cargo has expanded its air cargo business through a number of alliances with sales agents and software companies.
MSC Air Cargo complements MSC’s core shipping services by operating two planes managed by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, Central America, and Asia, with plans to add two more in the following six months.
MSC Air Cargo will obtain a new operating licence and a fleet of five wide-body aircraft over the following 12 months when the operation is completed.
In July 2023, MSC ordered 15 new electric locomotives for its newest MEDWAY branch in Belgium, expanding its rail fleet.
More recently, MSC outperformed Maersk’s schedule reliability performance amid an overall industry decline.
