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CMA CGM bid for stake in SNCF rail freight unit hits the buffers

CMA CGM has pulled out of the race for a stake (49%) in France's biggest rail freight player, Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), according to a report in the French media. Contacted by The Loadstar, both CMA CGM and RLE parent SNCF declined to comment. The news of the French ocean shipping line withdrawing its shareholding bid for RLE, which groups all the French state rail freight business units, has not come as a complete surprise to industry observers. Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé made it clear from the outset that he was only interested in a small proportion of RLE's activities, most likely, those involved in the transport of maritime containers. Such a position does not correspond with SNCF's strategy, which focuses on finding a partner ready to take a stake in all RLE's activities. "CMA CGM pulling out doesn't surprise me. First of all, there is appears to be a personality clash between the two protagonists; SNCF chairman Jean Castex and Rodolphe Saadé. It seems that they have met on three occasions and that each time things went badly. Two strong egos, no doubt," an industry source told The Loadstar. "I also think SNCF has failed to take into account that even if a multi-hundred million investment is a relatively minor sum for CMA CGM, it nevertheless entitles it to a say in the governance of RLE - guarantees it didn't get, as Mr Castex isn't one to share power." The source noted that Mr Saadé's interest in RLE focused largely on Naviland Cargo (maritime containers), a segment chief rival MSC is quickly building up a presence in, via its subsidiary, Medway. However, Naviland was not the only attraction that led CMA CGM to RLE. The latter also has considerable expertise in finished vehicle transport across Europe, which would have complemented the French group's logistics arm, Ceva, the source added. Earlier this year, CMA CGM completed the acquisition of UK operator Freightliner to boost its intermodal services, taking over 2,000 wagons, 10 terminals, and one of the largest fleets of electric locomotives in the UK. Selling 49% of RLE's capital was one of the conditions in an agreement between the EC and the French state on the break-up of Fret SNCF, which was suspected of receiving billions of euros in illegal aid. CMA CGM's withdrawal, if confirmed, would mean that three candidates remain for the stake in RLE: Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky; German logistics group Rhenus; and an unidentified private equity fund. The source, who had previously considered CMA CGM the "ideal buyer", underlined that the French group pulling out had left SNCF and the French government in something of a quandary, "I can't really see France relinquishing its sovereignty over the transport of military equipment (to a foreign company), as RLE handles at least 80% of the French army's military transport operations." France's biggest rail freight player, RLE, posted revenue for the first half of the year of €948m, a year-on-year increase of 3.9%. EBITDA increased to €118m, versus €110m a year earlier, the margin improving from 12% to 12.5%.

Gatwick Airport's second runway challenge dismissed in court

Gatwick Airport in the UK has been given the all-clear to develop and operate a second runway full time after a legal challenge to the expansion project was dismissed. The UK government gave development consent for Gatwick's second runway in September last year, meaning the airport would be able to put its backup runway into regular use. However, an environmental and noise judicial review was brought by the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign and Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions. This review was dismissed by the High Court in June, prompting the campaigners to seek permission to appeal the High Court decision. However, on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal refused permission. Under the former planning agreement, Gatwick's northern runway is used only when the main runway is closed for maintenance or emergencies. A £2.2bn project will see the northern runway slightly repositioned. The first flights are expected to operate from the repositioned runway from 2030, adding 100,000 additional flights each year. Logistics UK and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) have both previously backed Gatwick's plans. Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, said: "This is a major milestone for Gatwick for local communities, with expansion unlocking investment and creating thousands of new jobs. "Around 13m more passengers and 100,000 more flights will give holidaymakers greater choice and strengthen global links to help make the UK one of the most attractive places in the world to invest. "We'll back expansion that supports growth and our climate goals. To drive forward sustainable change, we're also investing over £219m for green fuel production to cut emissions from flying and secure the future of aviation."

TAM Group establishes air charter division

TAM Group has established a dedicated air charter division and hired Fernando Carballal as its group charter director to meet demand for time-critical and specialised air cargo shipment solutions. The Hong Kong-based GSSA said the division will provide flexible full and part-charter solutions for commodities such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, electronics, humanitarian aid, aerospace and automotive cargo, while supporting airline partners with overflow, ad hoc project and specialist charter opportunities that complement scheduled services. TAM said that alongside catering for time-sensitive and specialist cargo, the dedicated charter unit is designed to help customers manage peak-season capacity pressure and network disruptions. The air charter division follows the company's successful charter operations in the Americas. TAM has been working on building its charter business since September 2024. Operating from TAM Group's Americas regional headquarters in Miami, the charter business initially focused on specialised charter opportunities across South America and carried out operations in markets including Brazil and Chile. During this period, the team coordinated 30 charter operations, supporting customers across sectors including perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, live animal and high-value cargo. Charter director As the new group charter director, Fernando Carballal will now be responsible for developing the charter business further and building a roadmap for global integration. Currently based in Argentina, he has 11 years of air cargo experience, with a strong track record in airline, freight forwarding and charter brokerage sectors. "The charter market is evolving quickly as customers look for greater flexibility, reliability and speed in their supply chains," said Carballal. "TAM Group has strong airline relationships, deep local market knowledge and a growing international network, which gives us a strong platform to build a charter business that delivers practical solutions for both airlines and freight forwarders. "I am excited to join the team and help develop a scalable charter platform across the Americas and beyond." Fernando Garreton, vice president and managing partner of the Americas, TAM Group, said: "Since launching our initial charter operations in late 2024, the market response across Latin America has been very encouraging. Coming off a year of 23% growth in the Americas and our entry into the Mexican market, this is the right time to scale the business. We have proven the model locally; now we are building the structure to expand it. "Bringing Fernando Carballal on board gives us experienced leadership to connect our regional expertise with our longer-term vision for global charter development. "Importantly, this new charter division does not compete with our GSSA business, it strengthens it. For airline partners, charter capabilities can help capture overflow, project and specialist cargo opportunities without disrupting scheduled networks. For forwarders and logistics customers, it creates access to flexible capacity through a partner that understands local market execution." Last year, TAM told Air Cargo News it was actively pursuing growth in Latin America due to strong trade demand between the region and China. TAM has opened new offices in Mexico City, Brazil, and Chile, where it benefits from a partnership with key Chinese and Latin American carriers.