Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Astral Aviation to expand their partnership and strengthen the relationship between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi. The cooperation between Etihad Cargo will further expand the influence of Etihad Cargo in the African market.
Under the agreement, Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo will share 50% of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flight, increasing Etihad Cargo’s capacity offering to air cargo and airmail customers.
Through Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the airline’s global network will provide connections to destinations around the world, the company’s statement said.
Through this comprehensive memorandum of understanding, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional freight capacity from Nairobi with the launch of additional services to Abu Dhabi from 1 April.
It said the expanded partnership with Astral Aviation would further strengthen Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market.
In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide a reliable and cost-effective air freight solution for the shipment of pharmaceuticals across the African continent.
The SLA is Etihad Cargo’s first pharmaceutical interline agreement, ensuring the carrier’s partners are fully compliant with the latest IATA pharmaceutical and GDP regulations and standards.
It added that this latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operate more flights to the UAE capital, with support from Etihad Cargo.
Commenting on the partnership, Etihad Airways Senior Vice President (Global Sales and Cargo) Martin Drew said the MoU demonstrates that both parties are working together to develop a joint network and provide a more comprehensive solution for international cargo between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. solution.
He added: “The partnership will enable Etihad Cargo to expand its African network and increase cargo capacity to and from Nairobi, strengthening the link between the two cities through this key route and further developing this important Gateway to Africa.”
Astral Aviation chief executive Sanjeev Gadhia said the deal is part of its strategy to expand the group’s network globally, which will enhance accessibility and connectivity through Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub.
“We look forward to moving perishable cargo from Kenya to Abu Dhabi and beyond via the Etihad Airways network, as well as returning cargo from Asia, the US and Europe, connecting to Astral’s intra-African network in Nairobi. This partnership will Create new opportunities for our respective clients and it will be a win-win partnership,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service