Kenyan cargo carrier strengthens Middle East presence through agency partnership as it continues network development across Asia-Pacific routes
Kenyan cargo carrier Astral Aviation has appointed Network Aviation Group-owned ANA Aviation Services as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Nairobi-based airline announced the contract in a LinkedIn post last week, but said the arrangement had been in place since October.
Astral said: This strategic partnership is part of our commitment to strengthening our presence and service delivery in the UAE market. ANA Aviation Services brings extensive expertise and a robust network to enhance the support and experience for our customers."
The carrier added: "We are confident that this appointment will bring greater efficiency, enhanced customer service, and continued reliability to our operations in the region."
In 2025, Astral continued to build out its network. The carrier added a Haikou, China to Johannesburg, South Africa route in October.
In June last year, Astral also launched a route linking Hong Kong to Brisbane, Australia. The service is being operated on an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) basis on behalf of Aus Air Cargo.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)-hubbed Astral currently has three aircraft in its fleet. These include a Boeing 767-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft, a Boeing 767-200P2F and a Boeing 737-400P2F.
Astral previously told Air Cargo News that it also planned to add a Boeing 737-800F and two Boeing 777 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft. The airline also confirmed it has postponed its order for two Embraer E190Fs indefinitely.
