Astral and Etihad Cargo Successfully Execute First Nairobi-Abu Dhabi Flight

Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, together with Astral Aviation, a premier cargo airline with extensive coverage in Africa, has successfully completed their first flight from Nairobi, Kenya to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on March 21, 2024. This inaugural journey signifies the start of a strategic alliance following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two entities, aiming to broaden Etihad Cargo’s presence in the African continent, according to an Etihad Cargo statement. “This initial flight was strategically scheduled to meet the surge in demand for flowers, highlighting the collaborative strength between Etihad Cargo’s worldwide network and Astral Aviation’s robust presence in Africa. This operation showcased the partnership’s capability to boost cargo capacity and provide effective logistics solutions, especially for urgent deliveries like perishable items.” Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation are dedicated to utilizing their collective networks, knowledge, and logistical prowess to improve cargo services between the UAE and Africa. Starting March 28, 2024, Astral Aviation will commence weekly flights from Abu Dhabi, the statement mentioned.
“This collaboration between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation signifies a pivotal moment for commerce between Africa and Abu Dhabi, facilitating the swift transport of perishables such as flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from Astral’s hubs in Nairobi and Johannesburg to Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub and beyond,” states Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation. “In return, the freighter will transport goods from Etihad Cargo’s networks in Asia, the USA, and Europe into Astral’s African network, creating new avenues for our customers.” Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo, remarked: “The successful first flight from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi marks the start of Etihad Cargo’s promising venture with Astral Aviation. Together, we will provide air freight solutions that meet the evolving demands of our partners and clients, particularly in the rapidly expanding African sector.” From May 1, 2024, Etihad Cargo will also offer increased belly capacity to its partners and clients through daily passenger flights to Nairobi. Additionally, Etihad Cargo maintains a weekly freighter service linking Nairobi with Amsterdam via its Abu Dhabi hub, the statement further noted. Wilson Chan, Senior Vice President of Freezone Cargo & Logistics at Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “Enhancing cargo operations to and from Zayed International Airport is crucial to our strategy to solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading air freight hub globally. From advanced cooling facilities designed for the secure transport of temperature-sensitive goods and pharmaceuticals to an augmented operational capacity, Zayed International Airport is playing a significant role in boosting trade between Abu Dhabi and the world. The launch of this flight, along with the initiation of weekly services to Nairobi, underscores the vital commercial and business connections that Abu Dhabi Airports and our partners, Etihad Airways and Astral Aviation, are fostering.”