Etihad and Astral partner on Nairobi cargo flights

Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation have signed a new partnership that will help expand the Middle Eastern carrier’s presence in the African market.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, Etihad Cargo will benefit from cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from April 1.

“This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo,” the carrier said.

The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo sharing up to 50% of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights.

From Abu Dhabi, Etihad Cargo will offer connections to the rest of the world and destinations in the UAE through its road feeder network.

Martin Drew, senior vice president – global sales and cargo at Etihad Airways, said: “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.”

Sanjeev Gadhia, chief executive of Astral Aviation, added: “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, US 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.”

In 2021, Etihad signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide airfreight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent.

The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first Pharma Interline agreement.