NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 30 – Cargo airline Astral Aviation, which is based at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, has introduced flights between Africa and China.
The flight, which departed from the city of Guangzhou and landed in Maputo recently, the capital of the Republic of Mozambique, is part of the airline’s expansion into the Asian market.
Sanjeev Gadhia, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Astral Aviation, said that the new direct flight between China and Sub-Saharan Africa reflects its commitment to strengthening trade links between Asia and Africa.
The cargo flight from China to Africa, for instance, will act as a gateway for Chinese goods, ranging from electronics and textiles destined for the growing markets in Mozambique and the broader Southern African region.
“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,” said Gadhia.
The freighter, which operates 15 aircraft to over 50 African nations, delivers various goods, including perishable items, industrial products, and high-tech equipment.
The company also revealed plans to introduce additional routes in the future to bridge the gap between key markets across Asia and Africa.
“This new route is part of Astral Aviation’s broader expansion strategy, which aims to enhance global reach and offer unparalleled service to clients,” added Gadhia.
The majority of importers across the continent opt for sea shipping from China to Africa for its suitability in the transportation of special goods like liquids, refrigerators, car batteries, and other heavy items.
Although it takes a longer time than air shipping, the majority of them consider sea shipping more cost-effective by providing affordable delivery for heavy cargo goods.
