Nairobi-based Astral Aviation will continue to expand its fleet with various freighter aircraft types, as it now eyes more large widebodies, by the mid-2020s.
According to Cargo Facts, the cargo airline hopes to add B777-300ERSFs to its fleet and is in negotiations with AerCap to receive two of the types in 2024 and 2025.
The aircraft will be converted by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which expects to receive a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the “Big Twin” program.
AerCap, a co-investor in the program, recently said during its Q1 earnings call in May that it had received letters of intent (LOIs) for at least sixteen 777-300ERSFs.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and AerCap came together in 2019 and reshaped the Air Cargo world of long-haul, large-capacity freighters by introducing the all-new 777-300ERSF, The Big Twin.
The 777-300ERSF is the most successful widebody variant in aviation history, with around 850 sold. The widebody aircraft is perfectly suited to today’s demands with more volume, Less cost, Great range and Commonality.
Astral is also working with ST Engineering’s asset management arm to lease A330-200P2Fs with deliveries targeted in mid-2023 and mid-2024. These medium widebodies will add to the four A330-300P2Fs the carrier intends to lease from Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM).
Apart from the A330s, Astral Aviation is expecting two 767-300Fs from CAM in 2023 that will join a 1983-vintage 767-200BDSF already in service with the airline.
Meanwhile, Astral Aviation has signed an LOI with CAM for two A321-200P2Fs in 2023.
The airline is on the cusp of taking the first A320-200P2F. That aircraft, along with another A320, is being subleased from U.A.E.-based Vaayu Group and will in turn be subleased to Pradhan Air Express – a new India-based startup.
The aircraft, spotted July 5 in its new colours on a test flight in Singapore, will arrive in Delhi later this month and be available for domestic and international charters, according to a statement. Astral’s second A320P2F will likely follow.
So far in 2022, Astral has already received its first 757-200PCF and expects two more 757s before year-end.
Image: @indian_spotter
