About Astral Aviation Cargo Airline, Kenya
Know about Astral Aviation Cargo Airline, Kenya, through this blog and let your business choose the right shipping partner. Astral Aviation, a cargo airline, was founded in November 2000 and commenced operations in January 2001. It is located in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and has its headquarter in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Moreover, in November 2006, it was officially designated as a cargo-only carrier in November 2006 and Astral, since its operation to date, has emerged as the powerhouse in the realm of African air freight. It offers both charter and scheduled services with a fleet of Boeing freighters (737-400F, 767-200/300F). Modern Embraer E190Fs will soon join the fleet.
Based in Nairobi, the airline connects over 25 scheduled and 50 charter destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Astral handles various cargo types, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, humanitarian aid, and oil-and-gas logistics. With hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Liège, it maintains strong ties with GSAs and freight forwarders.
History and Evolution of Astral Aviation Cargo Airline
Its journey began in November 2000 and commenced operations in January 2001. Shortly after it commenced its operation, it secured the Air Operator certificate from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA). In its initial years of operation, it proved its efficiency in humanitarian missions. In 2006, the airline was classified as a cargo-only carrier, thereby confirming its position as a devoted airfreight service and indicating an increase in import-export business in the African region. Furthermore, around the 2020s, the airline switched to scheduled cargo operations and widened its area of operation in Intra-African routes, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The beginning of air freight operations to destinations such as Belgium and London consolidated its position as an international freight provider.
This progressive evolution from a regional charter operator to a recognised international scheduled cargo airline highlights its adaptability, strategic vision, and consistent response to market demands.
Strategic Locations of Kenya Airlines
Regarding the network, Astral Aviation Cargo Airline, Kenya offers scheduled services to more than 25 destinations and, via ad hoc charters, to more than 50 cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Moreover, its interline agreements with more than 60 partners, over 25 GSAs, and strong association with freight forwarders around the world denote its vast network and growth. It also has operational hubs in Nairobi, Dubai (Sharjah), Belgium, Liege, Johannesburg, and Hong Kong. Nairobi (JKAI) has proven to be a central African gateway with reported 1.2 million tpa cargo capacity and cold-chain amenities.
Accolades & Industry Benchmarks
Kenya’s leading cargo airline, the Astral Aviation Cargo Airline, has set many benchmarks and bagged many accolades since its foundation for its excellence. Take a glimpse of some of the significant accolades that this airline has grabbed –
- It was awarded “Africa All-Cargo Carrier of the Year” for 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
- In 2023, it was given “Air Cargo Brand of the Year”:
- For its contribution during COVID times or disaster times, it was a participant in the STAT Times International Award and UNICEF’s “Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative”.
- It is also a member of AFRAA, TIACA, IATA, KEPSA, KNCCI, NAP, etc which are key associations and organizations that play significant roles in the aviation and air cargo industry.
Fleet Composition & Expansion
- As per the fleet reported in 2024, the fleet of Astral Aviation includes
- B737‑400F (18 t payload)
- B767‑200F (42 t)
- B767‑300F (52 t)
- DC‑9F (legacy feeder)
Whereas DC-9, Fokker F27/F50, B727, and B747-400 freighters are retired or leased types.
Modernization in-process of Kenya's airline
In addition to the above modern fleet, the leading cargo airline based in Nairobi looks forward to incorporating the following Boeing and have been ordered-
- Embraer E190F
- B737‑800F
- B777‑300ERF & A330‑300P2F
- Drone & electric cargo aircraft
Infrastructure & Services
In this case, the airline has planned and developed environmental infrastructure that includes route optimization systems, cold storage facilities at JKIA, waste management systems, electric ground vehicles, and trials of sustainable aviation fuel to minimize environmental impact from its operations. Furthermore, its freighter aircraft efficiently handle perishables, humanitarian aid, pharmaceuticals (cold-chain), dangerous goods (DGR), mining equipment, oil and gas cargo, vaccines, express shipments, sea-air transfers, peacekeeping supplies, and election logistics, using tailored amenities.
The airline offers end-to-end customer support with a skilled staff of over 150, offering 24/7 assistance.
Expansion Strategy
The Astral Aviation Cargo airline, Kenya, focuses on expanding its intra-African network. As part of its plan, the airline plans to establish a new hub in Lomé, Togo, to strengthen its presence in West Africa. It has formed and implemented strategies to serve an increasing number of destinations around the world. To expand its network, the airline launched a subsidiary in India—Pradhan Air Express—using an A320 cargo aircraft in 2022. It also started Suid Cargo in South Africa as part of its growth plan. By 2025, it aims to set up a European AOC in Ireland. The airline connects Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with plans to add routes to Australia. To support expansion, it will upgrade its fleet with Embraer E190Fs for regional routes, B777s and A330s for long-haul, and cargo drones in East Africa.
Challenges & Other Constraints
- High maintenance cost of aged fleet – Old and legacy aircraft required high maintenance costs. They consume more fuel and are comparatively less efficient.
- High Rate of interest rates – Expansion plans need capital investment, and high interest rates in Africa hamper the implementation of expansion strategies.
- Infrastructure constraints – Airports in Africa are still not fully developed and lack cold chain and airside capacity, thereby restricting throughput efficiency.
- Domination of international carriers – The global carriers dominate over 80% of the Africa-Europe market and 30% within Africa, thereby leaving fewer opportunities for local companies.
- Operational complexities: long-distance challenges, political instability, and a fragmented logistics chain are challenges a carrier company has to face and get their operate.
Summing Up
Being situated in Delhi a major trade and logistics hub gives CHAs access to key infrastructure like Astral Aviation has emerged profusely from a traditional beginning to a leading and modern cargo carrier.Its global network—with hubs in Nairobi, Dubai, Liège, Johannesburg, and planned Lomé—ensures wide coverage. Its modern fleet boosts operational efficiency. Partnerships and awards highlight its performance. Challenges remain, such as infrastructure gaps, fleet funding, and regulatory hurdles. Still, the airline stands out and continues to support Kenya’s economic growth.
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For air shipping via Astral Aviation Cargo, Kenya, please call +91-9311595648 or email [email protected] to ship smarter, cost-effectively, quickly, and promptly.
FAQs
Astral Aviation handles a wide range of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, humanitarian aid, oil and gas logistics, vaccines, and dangerous goods, with tailored solutions for each shipment type.
Astral Aviation serves over 25 scheduled destinations and more than 50 charter cities, connecting Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe with strategic hubs in Nairobi, Dubai, Liege, Johannesburg, and planned hubs in Lome and Ireland.
Astral Aviation focuses on sustainability by implementing route optimization, cold storage facilities, waste management, electric ground vehicles, and trials for sustainable aviation fuel to minimize its environmental impact.