After the step back at the end of 2022 with the renunciation of competition to the acquisition of ITA Airways, the shipowning group Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) today announced a new step forward in the its commitment in the air transport sector, started less than a year ago with the establishment of MSC Air Cargo ( of 26 September 2022). The group has accomplished this by acquiring a share majority of AlisCargo Airlines, the transport company air freight based in Milan. A step to be followed others: the intention - specified MSC - is the acquisition of 100% of the airline planned for the beginning of 2024 when AlisCargo Airlines will be able to return fully operational with the delivery of a Boeing 777F. At the end of 2022, in fact, the National Body for Civil Aviation, suspended the license of AlisCargo Airlines.

The majority of sellers are represented by the group Leali, led by Domenico Alcide Leali who, after the success obtained with Air Dolomiti, he started AlisCargo Airlines in 2019.

The shipowning group has explained that "this operation represents a new step towards the further development of MSC Air Cargo's operations creating a European gateway and hub key to MSC's air freight solutions. In addition, the acquisition complements MSC Air Cargo's objective of expand its current network of trade routes thanks to a better coverage and greater flexibility."

MSC Air Cargo currently provides a transport solution complementary to the main services offered by MSC and operates with two aircraft operated by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, America Central and Asia and will add two more in the next six Months. Upon completion of the transaction, MSC Air Cargo will have a new operating licence and a fleet of five aircraft wide-body within the next 12 months.