Etihad Cargo Partners With Astral Aviation To Strengthen Abu Dhabi-Nairobi Connection

Etihad Cargo, in collaboration with Astral Aviation, has initiated a new flight route from Nairobi, Kenya, to Abu Dhabi, UAE, as of 21st March 2024. This inaugural flight signifies the start of a strategic partnership aimed at expanding Etihad Cargo's footprint in the African market. The collaboration stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two carriers, promising to leverage their combined networks and logistics capabilities to enhance cargo services between the UAE and Africa.

The timing of the first flight was meticulously planned to meet the surge in demand for flowers, showcasing the synergy between Etihad Cargo's global reach and Astral Aviation's extensive network in Africa. This partnership is expected to increase cargo capacity and provide efficient logistics solutions for time-sensitive shipments like perishable goods.

Following the success of the initial operation, Astral Aviation is set to commence weekly flights from Abu Dhabi starting 28th March 2024. This regular service aims to bolster trade links between the UAE and Africa, catering to diverse cargo needs and contributing to economic growth in both regions.

Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo of Etihad Cargo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's future, emphasizing their commitment to offering innovative air cargo solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of their partners and customers, particularly in the rapidly growing African market.

Wilson Chan, Senior Vice President – Freezone Cargo and Logistics of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the expansion of cargo operations at Zayed International Airport as a crucial step towards reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading air cargo hub. The airport's advanced cooling facilities and increased operational capacity are set to facilitate safer transportation of temperature-sensitive goods and pharmaceuticals, further enhancing trade connections globally.

Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, remarked on the significance of this partnership for trade between Africa and Abu Dhabi. The new flight route will enable efficient transportation of perishables from Nairobi and Johannesburg to Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub and beyond. Conversely, it will also facilitate cargo movement from Etihad Cargo's network in Asia, the USA, and Europe into Astral's Intra African network, opening new opportunities for clients on both ends.

In addition to the weekly flights initiated with Astral Aviation, Etihad Cargo plans to enhance its service offerings through additional belly capacity via daily passenger flights to Nairobi starting from 1st May 2024. Moreover, Etihad Cargo maintains a weekly freighter service connecting Nairobi to Amsterdam through its Abu Dhabi hub. This comprehensive approach underscores both Etihad Cargo's and Astral Aviation's dedication to providing high-quality service and innovative solutions across their operations.

The successful launch of this inaugural flight not only marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation but also sets a solid foundation for future endeavors aimed at strengthening trade links and fostering economic development between the UAE and Africa.

With inputs from WAM