Air Flow

What Air Flow does

Air Flow is a French private multimodal gas logistics company, legally AIR FLOW EUROPE SAS, founded in 2004 by Pierre Fiat in Aix-en-Provence. The company specializes in the transport and storage of compressed and cryogenic industrial gases — including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, LNG, hydrogen, and CO2 — serving industrial gas manufacturers, medical/healthcare providers, food and beverage producers, the LNG/energy sector, and emerging hydrogen and carbon-capture customers. Air Flow monetizes through a three-tier service model (Single Service: container rental; Dual Service: container plus transport; Full Service: gas supply, container, and transport) augmented by recurring rental streams, managed-services logistics, and engineering/consulting.

The core technology stack centers on cryogenic and thermodynamic expertise. The company operates a fleet of cryogenic ISO tanks (20ft to 45ft formats, up to 54,140 liters), ISO Tube compressed-gas containers (Types 1, 2, 4 at pressures up to 350 bar), Turbo Containers, mobile LNG stations, bottle racks, and vaporizers. Patented cryogenic ISO container technologies anchor the asset base, while the COMBO Mobile Satellite Plant — combining Turbo Container and ALIVE Vaporizer — is positioned as a world-first virtual pipeline solution. A real-time GPS tracking system provides pressure, level, vacuum breach, and leak monitoring across the fleet. Specialized sub-brands — Air Flow Hydrogen Services (with an online Hydrogen Simulator cost-evaluation tool) and Air Flow CO2 Services — target the hydrogen economy and carbon capture verticals.

Air Flow reaches customers in 100+ countries through six regional hubs (Aix-en-Provence headquarters, Houston, Singapore, Shanghai, Antwerp, Algeciras, Marseille) with 98% of revenue international. Enterprise field sales is delivered through regional sales managers covering Africa/Middle East, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Oceania, supported by dedicated logistics officers on customer projects. Following a EUR 5 million Bpifrance/SOFIPACA minority investment in 2017, the company grew from 40 to ~90 employees and EUR 30 million in 2023 revenue before being acquired by Modalis, a fellow Aix-en-Provence intermodal logistics operator, in September 2024.

Name

Air Flow

Legal name

AIR FLOW EUROPE SAS

Website

https://airflow.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Air Flow is a French private multimodal gas logistics company that rents, transports, and supplies cryogenic and compressed industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, LNG, hydrogen, CO2) to industrial gas manufacturers, energy firms, and hydrogen/carbon-capture customers through six global hubs serving 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Gas Logistics Services

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (32512)

SIC

Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Gases Logistics (Compressed/Cryogenic; Class 2) (TLAIAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Gases (Compressed/Cryogenic) Bulk Transport (TLADALAE), Compressed, Liquefied & Refrigerated Gas Transport (Class 2) (TLACANAB), Gas Handling Equipment & Storage (Cylinders/Tanks/Valves) (IMAEACAL), Liquefied Gas Transport (LNG/LPG/Ammonia) (TLADALAC), Compressed Hydrogen Storage Systems (Cylinders, Bundles, Tube Trailers) (EUAFAEAA)

Keywords

• Gas logistics services
• Cryogenic gas transport
• Hydrogen logistics solutions
• LNG transport equipment
• Compressed gas containers

Headquarters

HQ city

Rousset

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Container and equipment rental: Rental of cryogenic containers (20ft, 40ft, 45ft ISO tanks) and compressed gas containers (ISO tubes, bottle racks) for short and long-term periods
2. Full service gas logistics: Complete solutions including gas supply, container rental, and transport services for delivery to customer-specified locations
3. Dual service (transport): Container rental combined with logistics/transportation services worldwide
4. Engineering and consulting services: Technical advisory services, project management for hydrogen and CO2 logistics, emergency supply coordination

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Air Flow provides multimodal gas logistics services, including cryogenic and compressed gas container rental (ISO tanks, ISO tubes, bottle racks), transportation across road, sea, and rail, and full-service gas supply solutions for industrial, medical, food & beverage, hydrogen, LNG, and CO2 customers. The company delivers turnkey logistics chains worldwide through six global hubs and operates specialized divisions for hydrogen and carbon capture projects.

Product overview

Air Flow is a multimodal gas logistics company offering three tiers of services: Single Service (container rental), Dual Service (container rental plus transport), and Full Service (gas supply, container, and transport). The company operates specialized divisions for Hydrogen Services and CO2 Services. Their equipment portfolio includes cryogenic containers (ISO tanks in 20ft/40ft/45ft formats, Titan, Super Titan), compressed gas containers (ISO Tubes Type 1/2/4, bottle racks), vaporizers, mobile stations, and specialized solutions like the Turbo Container and COMBO Mobile Satellite Plant. The company delivers to over 100 countries through 6 international hubs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Air Flow Hydrogen Services: Specialized service for hydrogen supply, storage and transport solutions in all circumstances, including events, emergency supply and regular proximity supply.
• Air Flow CO2 Services
• Cryo Logistics

Products and services

• Single Service
• Dual Service
• Full Service
• Air Flow Hydrogen Services
• Air Flow CO2 Services
• Gas Services
• COMBO Mobile Satellite Plant

Quantifiable outcome

• Emergency delivery capabilities for urgent gas requirements
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• ModalisflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2024Modalis acquired Air Flow in September 2024. The acquisition generates important industrial and commercial synergies, enabling Modalis to enter hydrogen logistics and carbon capture sectors. Combined entity constitutes a significant ETI (medium-size business) in the region. Air Flow brings expertise in compressed and cryogenic gas logistics with bases in Antwerp, Algeciras, Singapore, and Houston.
• EngiecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 March 2023Air Flow managed hydrogen logistics for Engie at WE LOVE GREEN festival. Provided ISO tube rental, transport, and technical interface management for Engie Hydrogen Business Unit.
• LHYFEcoreOthers · 1 March 2023LHYFE supplied renewable hydrogen for Air Flow's E-Rallye Monte Carlo logistics operation, providing hydrogen for 15 hydrogen cylinder racks at 200 bar and 40 nitrogen cylinder racks.
• Monaco LogistiqueminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2023Air Flow organized hydrogen logistics for E-Rallye Monte Carlo 2022, providing cylinder racks to supply charging stations at Valence, Manosque, and Monaco stops.
• GalitranjocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 November 2022Air Flow acquired Spanish company Galitranjo, specialized in hazardous materials transport located in Algeciras. Galitranjo provides multimodal logistics platform in the petrochemical zone with ADR/RID-compliant semi-trailers and cryogenic container storage infrastructure.
• HYmpulsionflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2022Air Flow partnered with HYmpulsion for Zero Emission Valley (ZEV) project, deploying hydrogen storage containers for 20 refueling stations and 1,200 fuel cell vehicles. Air Flow invested EUR 9 million and signed 19-year maintenance subcontract for hydrogen equipment. Jointly developed high-capacity hydrogen storage isotubes with Faurecia.
• Faurecia (FORVIA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2022Faurecia and Air Flow jointly supply high-capacity hydrogen storage systems for Zero Emission Valley project. Faurecia provides advanced gas storage tank competencies and industrialization know-how for lightweight, high-capacity tanks; Air Flow provides rental logistics and digital maintenance of hydrogen storage containers.
• Nippon GasescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2022Co-investment of EUR 1 million in large capacity (400t) liquid argon storage tank at Nippon Gases facility in Lillo at Port of Antwerp. Long-term agreement for liquid argon supply for overseas markets confirmed.
• La MéridionalecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 September 2018Air Flow and La Méridionale (Corsica ferry operator) collaborated on new LNG power supply solution for ships at dock. Tests conducted in Marseille and Ajaccio were conclusive, providing clean environmental solution reducing emissions and protecting residents' health.
• SiaapminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2016Air Flow involved in first French industrial pilot program launched by Siaap and Suez Group for wastewater reuse. BioGNVAL demonstrator at Valenton generates biofuel and carbon dioxide from urban wastewater, with gases stored in Air Flow cryogenic tanks.
• Suez GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2016Partnership with Suez Group for BioGNVAL environmental project - cryogenic tank engineering for innovative wastewater-to-biofuel pilot program.
• IPC USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 July 2015Contract between Air Flow North America and IPC USA (California LNG supplier) for 45ft ISO tank container truck fueling operation, safely fueling 30 LNG trucks daily.
• Prima LNGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 February 2015Air Flow provided mobile LNG storage and vaporization unit to Prima LNG for emergency installation, delivered and installed in record time while waiting for permanent facility.
• Blu.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 November 2014Blu. signed one-year rental contract for Air Flow LNG Trailer technology to improve LNG distribution and transportation to nationwide station network in USA.
• Clean Energy CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013LNG supply agreement signed in 2013 and amended in November 2014, with Air Flow exporting LNG from Clean Energy's production facility in Willis, Texas.
• France HydrogènecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Flow is a member of France Hydrogène, supporting the development of hydrogen as a cleaner energy source and positioning as key partner for hydrogen transport and distribution.
• CapenergiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Flow is a member of Capenergies, a competitiveness cluster supporting energy transition projects.
• Business FranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness France organized Export Trophy Awards where Air Flow received V.I.E. Prix Fidélité. Air Flow participates in VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) program since 2011.
• Cryo LogisticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish logistics partner Tian SL for cryogenic container rental operations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hoyer Group: Hoyer is a German family-owned logistics company specializing in the transport of liquid and gaseous products, including bulk liquids, chemicals, and gases. Directly comparable to Air Flow as both are specialist multimodal gas/chemical logistics providers with fleet-based container rental and transport services across European and global markets.

Broad incumbents

• Chart Industries: Chart Industries is a leading global manufacturer of cryogenic equipment and provides engineered solutions for the industrial gas, LNG, hydrogen, and energy sectors. Comparable to Air Flow as a much larger broad incumbent offering cryogenic tanks, ISO containers, vaporizers, and gas handling equipment that overlaps with Air Flow's equipment portfolio, though Chart primarily manufactures while Air Flow rents/logistics.
• Air Liquide: Air Liquide is one of the world's largest industrial gas producers with a comprehensive captive logistics operation for cryogenic and compressed gas distribution globally. Comparable as a broad incumbent in industrial gas supply and logistics; competes in the broader market space where Air Flow operates as a specialist third-party logistics provider.
• Linde: Linde (formerly Praxair) is a global industrial gas major with operations spanning gas production, logistics, and on-site supply including hydrogen and CO2. Comparable as a broad incumbent whose in-house logistics and distribution capabilities overlap with Air Flow's third-party logistics services across all major gas categories.
• Air Products and Chemicals: Air Products is a major industrial gas and hydrogen company with significant cryogenic logistics operations across LNG and hydrogen supply chains. Comparable as a broad incumbent where their hydrogen logistics infrastructure and bulk gas transport solutions intersect with Air Flow's specialist offering in the same customer markets.
• Messer Group: Messer is the largest privately held industrial gas company, with operations across Europe, Americas, and Asia in oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, helium, and CO2. Comparable as a broad incumbent with their own logistics fleet serving industrial gas markets, creating competitive overlap with Air Flow's container rental and transport services.
• SOL Group: SOL Group is an Italian multinational producing and distributing industrial, medical, and specialty gases across Europe and emerging markets. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the industrial gas value chain with its own logistics infrastructure for cryogenic and compressed gas delivery, partially overlapping with Air Flow's service offering.

Emerging players

• Hexagon Purus: Hexagon Purus is a Norwegian-listed specialist in type 4 high-pressure hydrogen cylinders, distribution systems, and vehicle integration for mobility applications. Comparable as an emerging player in the hydrogen logistics value chain, particularly in high-pressure hydrogen storage where Air Flow also has its Type 4 ISO tube containers.
• FORVIA (Faurecia): FORVIA (formerly Faurecia) is a global automotive technology group developing hydrogen storage systems for mobility applications through its Faurecia Hydrogen Solutions division. Comparable as an emerging player and existing partner (joint hydrogen storage system for ZEV project) that operates in adjacent parts of the hydrogen value chain with overlapping technology and customer interests.

Regional players

• Nippon Gases Europe: Nippon Gases is a major European industrial and medical gas supplier (formerly part of Nippon Sanso) with operations across Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and other European countries. Comparable as both an Air Flow customer (long-term Antwerp argon supply) and a regional competitor in industrial gas production and distribution in overlapping European geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdRG8J_6kEM8AlUuVHJH6VA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/air-flow

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Air Flow