Air Cairo

ICAO: MSC Active as of Dec 11, 2025

191

Active Routes

3615

Flight Observations

68

Unique Destinations

59

Origin Airports

1401

Avg Route Distance (mi)

2587

Longest Route (mi)

0

Domestic Routes

100

International Routes
About Air Cairo

It appears there may be a slight misunderstanding regarding the ICAO code provided. While the prompt specifies "ICAO: MSC", the airline related to "MSC" in aviation is MSC Air Cargo, which has an official ICAO code of LSI and an IATA code of CP. This response will provide comprehensive information about MSC Air Cargo.

MSC Air Cargo is a global air freight company that launched operations in late 2022, established as a strategic addition to the MSC Group's extensive logistics portfolio, which primarily focuses on container shipping. The MSC Group itself was founded in 1970 by Captain Gianluigi Aponte. MSC Air Cargo was created to complement MSC's existing container shipping solutions, quickly becoming a key player in the air freight industry. In 2024, MSC Air Cargo further expanded its operations by acquiring AlisCargo, rebranding it as MSC Air, a fully owned subsidiary.

The airline's main operational hubs include Liège Airport in Belgium, which serves as its European hub, and Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy, which became its second European gateway following the acquisition of AlisCargo. MSC Air Cargo operates a modern fleet primarily consisting of Boeing 777 freighters. As of late 2024, its fleet comprises five Boeing 777 freighters, with plans to expand to a total of seven wide-body freighters by mid-2026. The company also partners with Atlas Air, which operates four Boeing 777-200 Freighters on MSC Air Cargo's behalf, and leases Boeing 747-400F aircraft to support its growing Asian and American routes.

MSC Air Cargo's route network is global, connecting the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline serves 21 destinations across three continents and completed over 2,500 flights in 2024. Key destinations include major cargo hubs such as Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, Ezhou, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Quito. The airline also leverages an extensive Road Feeder Service (RFS) network, providing over 94 trucking connections to extend its reach. As a dedicated cargo airline, MSC Air Cargo offers specialized services for a wide array of commodities, including pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, valuable cargo like electronics and aerospace components, and hazardous materials, emphasizing reliable, transparent, and agile transportation solutions. Notably, they offer a "Shipped Pharma Product" to handle temperature-sensitive and time-critical pharmaceutical shipments. There is no information indicating alliance membership, which is common for cargo airlines that typically operate independently or within logistics groups.

What Travelers Say

MSC Air Cargo is a dedicated cargo airline and does not transport passengers. Therefore, traditional "traveler reviews" from individual passengers are not applicable or available for its services. Reviews found for the broader MSC Group on platforms like Trustpilot primarily pertain to their container shipping services and reflect experiences with ocean freight logistics, not air travel.

Instead of traveler reviews, feedback for cargo airlines typically comes from shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics partners. While specific client testimonials are not readily available in the search results, MSC Air Cargo's focus on quality and specialized services suggests certain areas of appreciation and potential challenges for its business clients.

What Clients (Likely) Love:

  • Specialized Cargo Handling: Expertise in transporting sensitive and complex goods like pharmaceuticals and hazardous materials, backed by certifications such as IATA CEIV Pharma.
  • Reliability and Efficiency: Commitment to reliable, transparent, and agile transportation, aiming for on-time delivery across its global network.
  • Global Reach: An expanding network across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, complemented by a strong Road Feeder Service, offers comprehensive connectivity for diverse shipping needs.

Common Complaints (Inferred Potential Areas):

  • Newness of Operations: As a relatively new entrant in the air cargo market (launched late 2022), it may still be in the process of optimizing all operational aspects and establishing its full market presence.
  • Market Fluctuations: The air cargo market can be highly volatile, with rates and capacity subject to significant changes, which could impact service flexibility or cost-effectiveness for clients.
  • Integration Challenges: While part of a larger logistics group, integrating air cargo operations with existing container shipping solutions might present complexities in terms of seamless service delivery across different modes.

Overall Sentiment Summary:

As a cargo airline, MSC Air Cargo's success is measured by its efficiency, reliability, and capability in freight transport rather than passenger satisfaction. Its rapid expansion, modern fleet, and specialized certifications like IATA CEIV Pharma suggest a strong commitment to high standards and customer service in the logistics sector. The focus is on providing robust solutions for complex cargo needs.

Safety Information

MSC Air Cargo maintains a strong focus on safety, as evidenced by its operational practices and certifications.

  • Recent Safety Record and Any Notable Incidents: Since its launch in late 2022, there are no notable incidents or accidents reported for MSC Air Cargo in the available information. The company prioritizes fostering a safety culture and implements a comprehensive safety management system. Regular safety courses for pilots and crews adhere to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements and are audited by authorized local entities.
  • Regulatory Certifications: MSC Air Cargo achieved the prestigious IATA CEIV Pharma certification in September 2024. This certification is a significant recognition of the company's commitment and expertise in the safe and compliant handling of temperature-sensitive and time-critical pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments, ensuring adherence to the strictest industry guidelines. While a direct IOSA certification is not mentioned, the acquisition of AlisCargo means that MSC Air operates under an Italian Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). Italy is assessed as a Category 1 country by the US FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment program, indicating compliance with ICAO safety standards. The larger MSC Group also holds various ISO certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety), reflecting a broader commitment to international standards across its operations.
  • Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: MSC Air Cargo operates a modern and relatively young fleet of Boeing 777 freighters, described as "state-of-the-art". Their latest Boeing 777 freighter was delivered "fresh out of the factory" in April 2024. The use of new aircraft and a proactive safety management system underscores a commitment to high maintenance standards, although specific details on maintenance reputation are not publicly detailed for this new airline.
  • Overall Safety Assessment Based on Available Data: Based on the information gathered, MSC Air Cargo appears to have a robust safety foundation. This is supported by its modern fleet, adherence to EASA requirements for crew training, and significant certifications like IATA CEIV Pharma, which demand stringent safety and quality protocols for specialized cargo. The absence of reported incidents since its inception also contributes to a positive safety assessment.
  • Any Safety Awards or Recognitions: The IATA CEIV Pharma certification is a notable recognition within the air cargo industry, highlighting MSC Air Cargo's high standards for safety and quality in pharmaceutical logistics.
Content generated by AI based on web research • Updated 2 weeks, 1 day ago
Route Network Map
Most Popular Routes
287 flights
ATR
210 flights
ATR
89 flights
ATR
82 flights
A320
ATZ → JED
Asyut International Airport → King Abdulaziz Int'l
633 miles
81 flights
A320
CAI → SSH
Cairo International Airport → Sharm El Sheikh
234 miles
74 flights
ATR
HRG → FRA
2068 miles
66 flights
A20N
HRG → VIE
Hurghada International Airport → Vienna Int'l (Schwechat)
1719 miles
61 flights
A320
HRG → BER
Hurghada International Airport → Berlin-Brandenburg
2034 miles
60 flights
A320
59 flights
ATR
Top Destinations
CAI (HECA)
Cairo Int'l
Cairo
921 flights
20 routes
HRG (HEGN)
Hurghada
Hurghada
290 flights
23 routes
SSH (HESH)
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh
202 flights
20 routes
JED (OEJN)
King Abdulaziz Int'l
Jeddah
156 flights
5 routes
FRA (EDDF)
Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
109 flights
2 routes
LXR (HELX)
Luxor Int'l
Luxor
100 flights
7 routes
ATZ (HEAT)
Asyut
Assiut
95 flights
10 routes
MUC (EDDM)
Munich Int'l
Munich
93 flights
2 routes
KWI (OKKK)
Kuwait Int'l
Kuwait City
89 flights
2 routes
DUS (EDDL)
Dusseldorf Int'l
Dusseldorf
87 flights
2 routes
Top Origin Airports
HRG (HEGN)
Hurghada International Airport
Hurghada
1005 flights
25 routes
SSH (HESH)
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Sharm El Sheikh
638 flights
30 routes
CAI (HECA)
Cairo International Airport
Cairo
444 flights
22 routes
RMF (HEMA)
Marsa Alam International Airport
Marsa Alam
272 flights
11 routes
ATZ (HEAT)
Asyut International Airport
Asyut
270 flights
11 routes
LXR (HELX)
Luxor International Airport
Luxor
121 flights
4 routes
JED (OEJN)
King Abdulaziz International Airport
Jeddah
103 flights
6 routes
ASW (HESN)
Aswan International Airport
Aswan
64 flights
3 routes
CGN (EDDK)
Cologne Bonn Airport
Köln (Cologne)
56 flights
3 routes
KWI (OKKK)
Kuwait International Airport
Kuwait City
55 flights
3 routes
Top Border Crossing Flights
CAI (HECA)
Cairo International Airport
Cairo, EG
921 flights
20 routes
HRG (HEGN)
Hurghada International Airport
Hurghada, EG
290 flights
23 routes
SSH (HESH)
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Sharm El Sheikh, EG
202 flights
20 routes
JED (OEJN)
King Abdulaziz International Airport
Jeddah, SA
156 flights
5 routes
FRA (EDDF)
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt am Main, DE
109 flights
2 routes
LXR (HELX)
Luxor International Airport
Luxor, EG
100 flights
7 routes
ATZ (HEAT)
Asyut International Airport
Assiut, EG
95 flights
10 routes
MUC (EDDM)
Munich Airport
Munich, DE
93 flights
2 routes
Longest Routes
SSH → ALA
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport → Almaty
2587 mi
SSH → NQZ
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport → Nursultan Nazarbayev Int'l
2497 mi
SSH → CEK
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport → Balandino
2322 mi
CEK → SSH
Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport → Sharm El Sheikh
2322 mi
PEE → SSH
Perm International Airport → Sharm El Sheikh
2320 mi
Shortest Routes
HRG → SSH
Hurghada International Airport → Sharm El Sheikh
66 mi
SSH → HRG
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport → Hurghada
66 mi
ASW → ABS
Aswan International Airport → Abu Simbel
134 mi
ABS → ASW
Abu Simbel Airport → Daraw
134 mi
SSH → LXR
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport → Luxor Int'l
191 mi
All Routes
191 Total Routes
Showing 25 most popular routes
Route Destination Flights Distance Aircraft Last Seen
SSH → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
287 234 mi ATR Dec 10, 2025
HRG → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
210 250 mi ATR Dec 11, 2025
LXR → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
89 318 mi ATR Dec 9, 2025
ATZ → KWI Kuwait Int'l
Kuwait City
82 1044 mi A320 Dec 8, 2025
ATZ → JED King Abdulaziz Int'l
Jeddah
81 633 mi A320 Dec 8, 2025
CAI → SSH Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh
74 234 mi ATR Dec 9, 2025
HRG → FRA Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
66 2068 mi A20N Dec 5, 2025
HRG → VIE Vienna Int'l (Schwechat)
Vienna
61 1719 mi A320 Dec 3, 2025
HRG → BER Berlin-Brandenburg
Berlin
60 2034 mi A320 Dec 11, 2025
ASW → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
59 435 mi ATR Dec 7, 2025
CAI → HRG Hurghada
Hurghada
59 250 mi ATR Dec 11, 2025
CAI → JED King Abdulaziz Int'l
Jeddah
55 757 mi A320 Dec 7, 2025
HRG → DUS Dusseldorf Int'l
Dusseldorf
55 2184 mi A320 Dec 10, 2025
HRG → STR Stuttgart Echterdingen
Stuttgart
55 1985 mi A20N Dec 5, 2025
CAI → LXR Luxor Int'l
Luxor
53 318 mi E190 Dec 11, 2025
HRG → MUC Munich Int'l
Munich
53 1882 mi A20N Dec 11, 2025
HRG → CGN Cologne Bonn
Cologne/Bonn
52 2153 mi A320 Dec 7, 2025
YNB → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
52 582 mi A320 Dec 9, 2025
JED → CAI Cairo Int'l
Cairo
50 757 mi A320 Dec 11, 2025
HRG → NUE Nuremberg
Nuremberg
46 1959 mi A320 Dec 5, 2025
HRG → BEG Belgrade Nikola Tesla Int'l
Belgrade
45 1430 mi A320 Nov 16, 2025
HRG → HAJ Hanover/Langenhagen Int'l
Hanover
45 2146 mi A320 Dec 7, 2025
CAI → ASW Daraw
Aswan
44 435 mi A320 Dec 10, 2025
CGN → HRG Hurghada
Hurghada
44 2153 mi A320 Dec 9, 2025
HRG → LEJ Leipzig/Halle
Leipzig/Halle
43 2019 mi A320 Dec 11, 2025
Data Information:

Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.

Data Freshness: Real-time
Last Update: Dec 11, 2025 06:02
Coverage: Observed routes only