Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of UAE national airline Etihad Airways, has signed a MoU with Astral Aviation to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance the cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, further growing Etihad Cargo’s reach into the African market.

 

The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo share up to 50% of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity Etihad Cargo offers to air cargo and air mail customers. 

 

Via Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the carrier’s global network will offer connectivity to destinations around the world, said the statement from the company.

 

Through the comprehensive MoU, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of additional services to Abu Dhabi starting from April 1.

 

This expansion of its partnership with Astral Aviation will further enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market, it stated. 

 

In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent.

 

The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first Pharma Interline agreement and ensured the carrier’s partners’ full compliance with the latest IATA Pharma and GDP regulations and standards.

 

This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo, it added.

 

On the tieup, Senior VP (Global Sales & Cargo) at Etihad Airways Martin Drew said the MoU demonstrates the duos shared commitment to joint network development and providing a more comprehensive solution to international cargo transportation between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. 

 

"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 via this key route and further developing this critical African gateway," he added.

 

Astral Aviation CEO Sanjeev Gadhia said the deal comes as part of its strategy to expand the group's network globally, which will enhance accessibility and connectivity via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.

 

"We look forward to transporting Perishables from Kenya into Abu Dhabi and beyond on Etihad’s network, and on the return with cargoes from Asia, USA and Europe to connect into Astral’s Intra African network in Nairobi. This cooperation will create new opportunities for our respective clients and will be a win-win partnership," he added.-TradeArabia News Service