Astral Aviation launches freighter flight from Guangzhou, China to Africa
Astral Aviation Limited, the leading African cargo airline headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural flight from the People’s Republic of China. This landmark flight, departing from the bustling city of Guangzhou to Nairobi with an onward connection to Maputo, the capital of the Republic of Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into the Asian market.
The new direct flight between China and the African continent reflects Astral Aviation’s commitment to strengthening trade and logistics links between Asia and Africa. As a pivotal hub in southern China, Guangzhou serves as a vital gateway for Chinese goods, ranging from electronics to e-commerce.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route: “We are thrilled to commence our operations in China with this new service from Guangzhou. This route enhances connectivity between Asia and Africa and supports the increasing demand for reliable cargo transportation, facilitating the flow of essential goods and contributing to economic growth in both regions.
We are grateful to our launch customer, Air Charter Service Hong Kong, The Guangdong Airport Authority Co. Ltd and our GSA IGS Air.
The Guangzhou service is strategically designed to meet the rising needs of importers and exporters by providing a reliable and efficient air cargo solution. Astral Aviation’s state-of-the-art Boeing 767 Freighter aircraft ensures the safe and timely delivery of various goods, including perishable items, industrial products, and high-tech equipment.
This new route is part of Astral Aviation’s broader expansion strategy, which aims to enhance its global reach and offer unparalleled service to its clients. The company plans to introduce additional routes in the near future, further bridging the gap between key markets across Asia and Africa.
IATA’s data shows that African airlines saw the highest percentage growth in demand, with a rise of 18.4% year on year. Demand on the Africa-Asia market increased by 40.6% compared to May 2023.
Astral Aviation is committed to fostering international trade by offering innovative and reliable air cargo solutions. The launch of the Guangzhou service underscores the company’s dedication to supporting the growth of Africa’s trade networks and strengthening its position as a leading player in the global air cargo industry.