Nairobi-based cargo expert Astral Aviation continues to strengthen its cargo capacity with the acquisition of the new Boeing 767-300F cargo ship. The aircraft, acquired under a long-term dry lease agreement from a US-based flight lease, will support Astral's growth operations between Africa, China and the Middle East.
Sanjeev Gadhia, founder and CEO of Astral, has confirmed that the Boeing 767-300F, with a payload capacity of up to 54 tons, will operate at least 25 flights a month, addressing the surge in freight transport in major markets. Speaking to local media, Gadia emphasized that the aircraft had already completed a successful test flight and was registered by the US in early April 2025 prior to deployment.
The addition of the 767-300F is consistent with its strategy of scaling Astral operations amid a rapid rebound in global air cargo demand since 199. Astral currently operates from the hub of Nairobi's Jomokenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and reaches parts of Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The company is also planning to expand its fleet further later this year, hoping to add another Boeing 767-300 BDSF and a Boeing 767-200 BDSF. These acquisitions aim to enhance Astral's competitiveness in markets where speed, reliability and capabilities are becoming even more important.
In particular, Astral's existing 767-200BDSF cargo ship leased by Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) in 2020 continues to provide airlines with valuable capabilities across key cargo routes.
The expansion of Astral Airlines comes as regional competition is growing. Kenya Airlines (KQ), the country's domestic airline, is also actively pursuing its cargo expansion plan. Kenya Airlines, which currently operates cargo flights to Asia, the United Arab Emirates and across Africa, has recently confirmed plans to acquire additional cargo ships to meet growing market needs.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo demand in Africa is expected to increase by 4.4% per year over the next 20 years. Rising in African trade, supported by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), is also accelerating the demand for efficient and reliable cargo networks.
Astral's strategic moves are well positioned to capitalize on this growth, offering more options for shippers and logistics providers in one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.
Looking ahead
The arrival of the Boeing 767-300F marks a major advancement in Astral Airlines' ambitions becoming Africa's best cargo airline. With its expansion of infrastructure, a diversified fleet and a clear vision of growth, Astral is set to play an increasingly important role in connecting African businesses to global markets.
As Astral CEO Sanjeev Gadhia properly summed up: “New additions will allow us to meet the surge in cargo demand across our network and continue to provide world-class cargo service to and from Africa.”
