Nairobi-based cargo specialist Astral Aviation continues to strengthen its freight capabilities with the acquisition of a new Boeing 767-300F freighter. The aircraft, obtained under a long-term dry lease agreement from US-based Flight Lease, will support Astral’s growing operations between Africa, China, and the Middle East.
Astral’s Founder and CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia, confirmed that the Boeing 767-300F with a payload capacity of up to 54 tons will operate at least 25 flights per month, addressing the surging demand for cargo transportation across its key markets. Speaking to local media, Gadhia emphasized that the aircraft has already completed a successful test flight and was deregistered from the United States in early April 2025, ahead of its deployment.
The addition of the 767-300F aligns with Astral’s strategy of scaling its operations amid a sharp rebound in global air cargo demand post-COVID-19. Astral currently operates from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, with a network reaching across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and Asia.
The company also plans further fleet expansion later this year, with aspirations to add another Boeing 767-300 BDSF and a Boeing 767-200 BDSF. These acquisitions are aimed at reinforcing Astral’s competitive position in a market where speed, reliability, and capacity are becoming even more critical.
Notably, Astral’s existing 767-200BDSF freighter, leased from Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) in 2020, continues to provide the airline with valuable capacity across its key cargo routes.
Astral Aviation’s expansion comes as regional competition intensifies. Kenya Airways (KQ), the country’s national carrier, is also actively pursuing cargo expansion plans. Kenya Airways, which currently operates cargo flights to Asia, the UAE, and across Africa, recently confirmed plans to acquire additional freighter aircraft to meet growing market needs.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa’s air cargo demand is expected to grow by 4.4% annually over the next 20 years. Rising intra-African trade, supported by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is also accelerating demand for efficient, reliable cargo networks.
Astral’s strategic moves position it well to capitalize on this growth, offering shippers and logistics providers more options across one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of the Boeing 767-300F marks a major step forward for Astral Aviation’s ambitions to become Africa’s premier cargo airline. With expanding infrastructure, a diversified fleet, and a clear vision for growth, Astral is set to play an increasingly vital role in connecting African businesses to global markets.
As Astral CEO Sanjeev Gadhia aptly summarized: “The new addition allows us to meet the surging cargo demands across our network and continue offering world-class cargo services to and from Africa.”
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