Africa’s leading cargo carrier is expanding its international operations with a direct service between Kenya and Israel. Kenya-based Astral Aviation has launched the first direct service between Nairobi and Tel Aviv. The flight was operated on a Boeing 757 freighter, transporting 27 tons of Pineapples and Nile Perch fillets to the Middle East.
It is a significant milestone for the airline and all stakeholders involved. The new service is essential for Kenya, Israel, and the global trade industry, as it facilitates the efficient transportation of goods and sets a precedent for more mutually beneficial partnerships.
A route celebrated by all
Kenyan President William Ruto formally announced the direct service from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) at last month’s investor roundtable in Israel. It is a significant step toward strengthening Africa-Middle East trade.
The inauguration was celebrated by various stakeholders, including Astral CEO Sanjeev Gadhia, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director Alex Gitari, Kenya Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Mithika Linturi, and Israel in Kenya ambassador Michael Lotem. The ambassador said,
“Nairobi is the cargo hub in Africa. We Israelis thank Astral Aviation and Sanjeev Gadhia and look forward to enjoying more Kenyan products. Hope to see this followed by passenger flights. Bravo, Astral, for your vision and business skills.”
Kenya’s imports and exports contribute to about 30% of the GDP. Agricultural products, which include fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, and tobacco, are the most exported. Other exports include textiles and raw materials, so this new route will be essential for the country’s export earnings.
Enhanced cargo operations
In addition to Nairobi, Astral has other hubs in Dubai, Johannesburg, and Leige. From there, it operates more cargo flights than any other African carrier with 767-200F, 757-200F, 747F, 727-200F, DC-9 Freighter, and Fokker 50F aircraft. In 2023, it won the Africa All Cargo Carrier of the Year award.
Earlier this year, at the Air Cargo Africa event in South Africa, a new carrier Suid Cargo was launched. It would begin operations from Johannesburg Or Tambo (JNB) with Astral’s Boeing 727F. Astral would also offer Suid Cargo its 747-400F, 757F, and 767F on a charter basis to allow the startup to cover operations in South, West, and East Africa.
The Kenyan carrier also plans to launch three subsidiaries to increase its presence in the global market. Sanjeev Gadhia disclosed plans to divest about 70% of shares in Astral to invest in new AOCs in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Taking advantage of partnerships
According to ch-aviation, the European AOC would come in 2025, with Ireland and Malta as potential markets. This will be followed by the Middle Eastern AOC and potentially Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. Astral is also looking at a potential AOC in Lomé, Togo, which already operates as its West African hub.
February’s Air Cargo Africa Expo introduced a new cargo carrier, expected to launch in Q2 2023. Astral Aviation was at Air Cargo Europe last month and will attend AviaDev Africa next week to continue taking advantage of these partnership opportunities.
Partnerships are essential as African aviation stakeholders are launching various initiatives to increase connectivity and enhance aviation’s contribution to Africa’s socio-economic development.
SOURCE: Simple Flying
