Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African cargo airline Astral Aviation to explore ways to boost global trade to and from the continent.
Astral Aviation operates an extensive intra-Africa network of 50 destinations served via scheduled and ad hoc charters. This is matched with Emirates SkyCargo’s vast global network of over 145 destinations and fleet of passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters.
Both airlines have particular experience handling sensitive cargo, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lifesaving pharmaceuticals, which are key commodities transported to and from the market.
The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s divisional senior vice president, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two airlines will work closely on several initiatives, which include expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements to enhance connectivity and boost the reach of African businesses.
Commenting on the partnership, Abbas said: “Given the breadth of our network, our all wide-body fleet and specialist product portfolio, we are well-placed to help businesses reach new suppliers and customers in every corner of the globe.”
Gadhia said the commercial partnership reflected the airline's shared vision to elevate air cargo solutions to, from and within Africa.
Emirates SkyCargo began operations to Africa in April 1986, with the inaugural flight to Cairo, Egypt. Over the next four decades, the airline has steadily scaled up operations and increased frequencies, now offering customers seven scheduled freighters and belly-hold capacity on 172 passenger flights per week to 20 destinations in Africa.
With global hubs in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Liege and Dubai, Astral Aviation has been flying the blue skies of Africa for 24 years.
