Emirates Skycargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, has signed a memorandum of understanding (sleeve) with Astral Aviation, one of the leading Cargo Airlines in Africa, to investigate ways to promote global trade to and from the continent .
Astral Aviation operates an extensive intra-African network of 50 destinations served via scheduled and adhoc charges. The partnership, corresponding to Emirates Skycargo’s large global network of more than 145 destinations and fleet of passenger aircraft and dedicated trucks, underlines the growing prominence of Africa as a competitive player in world trade. Both airlines bring particular experience in dealing with sensitive cargo, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and life -saving pharmaceutical products, which are the most important merchandise transported to and from the market.
The agreement was signed at Air Cargo Africa by Badr Abbas, Emirates Skycargo’s divisions senior vice president and Mr. Sjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation Limited. In terms of the sleeve, Emirates Skycargo and Astral Aviation will carefully work on a number of initiatives, which include freight expansion interline options and spatial agreements, to improve connectivity and increase the scope of Africa companies.
In the comments on the partnership, Badr Abbas said: ‘The home of 11 of the 20 fastest growing economies, along with daring trade ambitions, is a tremendous growth potential in Africa. Given the width of our network, our all widebody fleet and the specialist product portfolio, we are well placed to support businesses new suppliers and customers in every corner of the world. This partnership with Astral Aviation strengthens our long -time commitment to the market, which creates mutually beneficial economic opportunities to allow goods to flow quickly, reliably and efficiently. “
Mr. Gadhia said: ‘Today is an important step in our commercial partnership over us, over 15 years and reflects our shared vision to increase air freight solutions to and within Africa. Together we will unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and strengthen the global trade connection. “
The economic and investment collaboration between the UAE and Africa is still growing, with the UAE currently the number one GCC and the fourth largest global investor in Africa. Recently, the UAE and Kenya signed a rural comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to accelerate the trade and investment in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, travel and tourism, financial services and renewable energy. The agreement between Emirates Skycargo and Astral Aviation supports the prosperous relationship and lays a foundation for further growth, by improving trade flow and generating new opportunities that help strengthen world economies. It also helps to achieve the goals of the African continental free trade area (AFCFTA), which aims to increase the export of Africa to the rest of the world by 32% by 2035.
Emirates Skycargo only started in Africa in April 1986, with the first flight to Cairo, Egypt. Over the next four decades, the airline has gradually scaled down and increased frequencies, which now offer customers seven scheduled trucks and offer the capacity at 172 passenger flights per week after 20 destinations in Africa.
With Global Hubs in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Liege and Dubai, Astral Aviation has been flying the Blue Skies of Africa for 24 years, which offers reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions.
