The MSC shipping company has acquired a majority stake in the Italian cargo airline Alis Cargo. This is to start at the beginning of 2024 with a Boeing 777F. By then, the carrier, based at Malpensa Airport, wants to be completely taken over.

“The acquisition of a majority stake in Alis Cargo is a step to expand MSC Air Cargo's capabilities and provide our customers with a high quality and consistent offering. I am equally proud that we have found a partner who shares a common vision and who has laid a strong foundation that we hope to continue to build on,” said Jannie Davel, MSC Senior Vice-President.

Alis Cargo was active with so-called preighters during the corona pandemic. Two Boeing 777-200ER passenger aircraft were used as makeshift freighters. However, this is no longer permitted by EASA, so flight operations have been suspended since the end of 2022. The AOC and operating license were also shut down by ENAC.

The restart is to take place under the new ownership of MSC. The fleet, which currently consists of zero aircraft, is also to be gradually ramped up. It can be assumed that MSC will no longer drive expansion through its partner Atlas Air, but through its own airline. Alis Cargo is to appear externally as MSC Air Cargo.