Air Belgium takes delivery of 1st A330-200F

On 15 February, Air Belgium took delivery of its first of four A330-200Fs. The aircraft, registered OO-CMA (1688) arrived at Brussels-Zaventem around 08:30 from Doha, Qatar. At around 12:30 the aircraft, still carrying the basic grey livery of Qatar Airways where it flew as A7-AFI, departed again. The destination was Dublin, where the Airbus will receive a new livery.

As previously posted, Air Belgium will operate the aircraft on behalf of cargo shipping giant CMA CGM, which have acquired the four A330-200Fs through its new air cargo subsidiary. The main base of operations will be Liege.

In the meantime, the ambition of CMA CGM to also acquire 30% of Groupe Dubreuil to make use of the belly cargo capacity of Air Caraïbes and FrenchBee is now off the table as both companies couldn't come to an agreement.

Photo by Marco Massart, via Planespotters.net