Astral Aviation (8V, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) has postponed plans to obtain a European Aviation Operator Certificate (AOC) to focus on operations in Africa and Asia.
Previously, Kenyan freight experts considered establishing AOCs in Malta and Ireland, but now they are opposed. “At this point, we have postponed plans to have a European AOC. We feel we need to concentrate more on China and Africa,” Gadia explained.
He said Astral Airlines shifted its focus to Asia for future growth rather than Europe, as the decline in the volume of tickets from Europe to Africa was affected by the strong euro.
Gadia previously told Ch-Aviation that Astral is focusing on Pan-Africa expansion strategies, leveraging the potential growth from Africa's Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The airline is expanding to South and West Africa with a three-hub strategy, including existing hubs in Nairobi Jomokenyatta and Johannesburg or Tambo. Astral connects these hubs with Hong Kong International.
Gadia is also a 25% investor in SUID Cargo Airlines (Johannesburg or Tambo), and has an international aviation service license, but is awaiting recognition in South Africa. They were to acquire a B737-300(f) and establish a scheduled network, expanding their fleet over time.
Astral Aviation has abolished the B757-200 (PCF) S, B727-200 (F), and DC-9-30 (CF) S, making significant fleet changes that are expected to expand the fleet in 2025, and operates one B737-400 (SF) using Avmax Aircraft and B767-200 (SF) using B767-200 (SF). Gadia plans to add one B767-300F in the first half of 2025 and another B737-400 (SF) in the second half of 2025, and is considering adding two next-generation B737-800 fleaters in 2026 and 2027.
