Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi.
The agreement demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s commitment to expanding its global network and providing increased cargo capacity to its customers in the African market.
As part of the agreement, Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation will share up to 50% of all available capacity on additional flights between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. This expansion of the partnership will further enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market and offer its customers additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of new services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi starting April 1, 2023.
Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation first joined forces in 2021, when the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transportation of pharmaceuticals across Africa. This latest MoU builds on that agreement and further strengthens the relationship between the two companies.
Etihad Cargo’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Cargo, Martin Drew, said the MoU demonstrates both companies’ commitment to joint network development and providing a comprehensive solution to international cargo transportation between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. He added that the partnership will enable Etihad Cargo to expand its African network and offer increased cargo capacity both into and out of Nairobi, strengthening the connection between the two cities and further developing this critical African gateway.
Astral Aviation CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia, agrees ad he expressed his company’s honor at entering into the MoU with Etihad Cargo, saying it was a part of their strategy to expand their network globally and enhance accessibility and connectivity via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub. He added that the cooperation would create new opportunities for both companies’ clients and would be a win-win partnership.
Through the MoU, Astral Aviation will operate more flights to Abu Dhabi, supported by Etihad Cargo, and the two companies will share available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity offered to air cargo and air mail customers. Etihad Cargo will utilize its expansive road feeder service network to transport cargo from Nairobi to destinations throughout the UAE and other offline stations.
The partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation is a significant step in expanding the presence of both companies in the African market and providing more comprehensive solutions for international cargo transportation. The agreement will offer increased cargo capacity, enhanced connectivity, and new opportunities for both companies and their clients.
