KQ Cargo, Astral Aviation ink codeshare agreement

The Kenya Airways Cargo(KQ Cargo) and Nairobi-based air freighter Astral Aviation has announced to have inked a codeshare agreement that aims to increase trade between Africa and the Middle East.

Dick Murianki, KQ’s freighter’s director revealed that the partnership would provide both airlines with more options to boost trade between the UAE and Africa. The two Airlines have successfully co-existed for years.

Astral Aviation has an intricate network with hubs in Dubai, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Liege, making it Africa’s largest air cargo handler. It uniquely provides reliable air freight services using a combination of scheduled and charter flights. Kenya Airways Cargo will put its codeshare flight numbers on Astral’s flights into Nairobi from Dubai for distribution around Africa. KQ Cargo which delivers air freight services to over 54 key global destinations, is also a big cargo handler within Africa.

Commercial cooperation

“KQ Cargo and Astral have had a long-standing commercial cooperation for the past 20 years, and this partnership is a continuation of our efforts to strengthen collaboration and partnerships among African Airlines and boost intercontinental trade while driving sustainable development of the African continent,” said Dick Murianki.

“This codeshare agreement, a first among two major players in the cargo sphere in Africa, will lead to a more efficient schedule and increased capacity for African traders wishing to bring in goods from the Middle East,” said Sanjeev Gadhia, the Chief Executive Officer of Astral.

Kenya Airways Cargo and Astral Aviation do not only supply goods to Nairobi and Eastern Africa. With a hub in Johannesburg, this agreement would also boost trade between the Middle East and Southern Africa. Bilateral trade between Dubai and Southern Africa averages $3 billion annually, with significant trade items including metals, fruit & veg, steel for construction, electronics, chemicals, and machinery.