air-cargo

Astral Aviation Expands African Network With Nairobi-Asmara Freighter Service

Astral Aviation has commenced weekly freighter operations linking Nairobi and Asmara, extending the Kenyan carrier's reach across the Horn of Africa. The new service connects Eritrea to Astral's broader African, Middle Eastern, Asian and European networks through its Nairobi hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The expansion reflects Astral's strategy to deepen cargo connectivity in emerging markets. Recent service launches include the Haikou-Johannesburg route added in October 2025 and Hong Kong-Brisbane operations that began in June 2024. Astral operates three aircraft: a Boeing 767-300 P2F, Boeing 767-200 P2F and Boeing 737-400 P2F. The airline plans to add a Boeing 737-800F and two Boeing 777 P2F aircraft, though it has indefinitely postponed orders for two Embraer E190Fs.