Astral increases Juba links and adds other frequencies
Kenyan cargo operator Astral Aviation is increasing frequency on its routes across East Africa to meet a growing demand.
Operating a dedicated fleet of DC9’s (in a new livery) and B727 Freighter, Astral’s enhanced schedule marks an increase in frequency on its prime Juba route from three to four weekly flights thus increasing the capacity to 60 tons per week which makes it the leading operator into the South Sudan capital based on the highest number of flights.
According to Astral’s CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia, the resumption of oil-exports by South Sudan has resulted in an increase in traffic into Juba.
The airline has also announced a further three new routes from its Nairobi hub into Pemba (Mozambique) and Moroni (Comoros) along with Entebbe to Juba. The Pemba route has an immense opportunity in gas-field equipment while the Moroni route will comprise of personal effects, perishables and general cargo.
Its existing routes include Mwanza, Dar-es-salaam, Entebbe, Kigali and Mogadishu which remain unchanged.
In September 2013, Astral will induct its first MD83 into conversion at the AEI facility in Miami which will be operational in January 2014. A further two MD83’s will be lined up for conversion in 2014.
Gadhia said he remains optimistic on the growth of air cargo traffic on the intra-African sector and said Astral will continue its strategy to expand into new regions which are under-served and high in potential.
PICTURED: An Astral DC9 at its Kenya base
Related Content
