About Us
Africa's Premier Cargo Carrier
Astral Aviation Limited has been moving Africa's cargo forward since 2000 — connecting Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Hong Kong with award-winning freighter services.
Built for Africa, Connected to the World
Astral Aviation Limited is Kenya's designated all-cargo national carrier and one of Africa's most recognised freight airlines. Established in 2000 and headquartered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, we operate a versatile fleet of Boeing freighters serving an expanding network of 50+ destinations with traffic rights to more than 50 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Our operations are built on a foundation of dependability, safety and service excellence. For 26 years we have earned the trust of freight forwarders, shippers, governments and humanitarian organisations who depend on us to move time-critical, high-value and specialist cargo across the continent.
A seven-time winner of the STAT Times African All-Cargo Carrier of the Year award (2011–2025), Astral Aviation continues to set the benchmark for air cargo innovation and logistics reliability in Africa.
Get in TouchWhat Drives Us
Reliability
On-time performance and consistent service quality underpin every flight we operate.
Innovation
We continuously invest in technology, fleet capability, and operational systems to stay ahead.
Partnership
Long-term relationships with freight forwarders, interline partners and governments drive mutual growth.
African Focus
Born in Kenya, built for Africa. We understand the continent's logistics challenges better than anyone.
Key Milestones
Incorporated in Kenya as a private company by Sanjeev Gadhia
Air Service License & Air Operators Certificate granted by KCAA
Designated a National Carrier by Kenya’s Ministry of Transport
Transitioned to scheduled cargo carrier operations
First STAT Times African All-Cargo Carrier of the Year award
Commenced B747F wet-lease operations with Atlas Air
Joint venture with Network Airline Management on Nairobi–Europe route
Established Dubai hub; joined ICAO CORSIA carbon-offset program
Launch of B767F; UNICEF agreement for COVID-19 vaccine flights
Partnership with Etihad Cargo; added China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou)
25th Anniversary; acquired B767-300F; launched Hong Kong–Brisbane
Fleet growth continues with B767F, B737-800F and planned B777-300ERF
Astral Boeing 757 Freighter
Expanding cargo connectivity across Africa
Ready to ship with us?
Contact our team for rates, schedules and specialist cargo solutions.