Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation sign MoU to expand partnership

Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their partnership and enhance the cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi.

The MoU entails the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from 1 April 2023 and further enhances Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market. In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent.

This latest agreement will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo.

“The signing of this MoU demonstrates Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation’s shared commitment to joint network development and providing a more comprehensive solution to international cargo transportation between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Airways.

“The partnership will enable Etihad Cargo to expand its African network and offer increased cargo capacity both into and out of Nairobi, strengthening the connection between the two cities via this key route and further developing this critical African gateway.”

“We are truly honoured to enter into a MoU with Etihad Cargo as a part of our strategy to expand our network globally, which will enhance accessibility and connectivity via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Hub,” said Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation.

“We look forward to transporting perishables from Kenya into Abu Dhabi and beyond on Etihad’s network, and on the return with cargoes from Asia, USA and Europe to connect into Astral’s Intra African network in Nairobi. This cooperation will create new opportunities for our respective clients and will be a win-win partnership.”