PRESS RELEASE
Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation successfully completed the inaugural Nairobi-Abu Dhabi flight on 21 March 2024 after expanding their partnership through an MOU. This collaboration allows Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers to access capacity on Astral Aviation’s weekly flights from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi, with regular services starting on 28 March 2024.
The flight from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi marked a significant moment for Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation, showcasing their commitment to enhancing cargo services between Africa and the UAE. The strategic timing of the inaugural flight catered to the increased demand for flowers, highlighting the synergy between Etihad Cargo’s global reach and Astral Aviation’s strong African network.
Both airlines will leverage their combined expertise and capabilities to offer efficient logistics solutions and high-quality service to meet the dynamic needs of their partners and customers. The partnership aims to strengthen trade links between the UAE and Africa, fostering economic growth in both regions.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo of Etihad Cargo, emphasized the ambition of the collaboration with Astral Aviation to provide innovative air cargo solutions tailored to the fast-growing African market. Wilson Chan, Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the significance of expanding cargo operations at Zayed International Airport to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as an air cargo hub.
Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, emphasized the milestone in trade between Africa and Abu Dhabi facilitated by the new flight, allowing for efficient transportation of perishables and creating new opportunities for clients. In addition to the weekly flights with Astral Aviation, Etihad Cargo will provide additional belly capacity on daily passenger flights to Nairobi and operate a weekly freighter service connecting Nairobi to Amsterdam via Abu Dhabi.
Overall, the partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation is set to transform air cargo services between Africa and the UAE, offering innovative solutions and fostering greater trade and economic growth in both regions.
