Kenya-based Astral Aviation has launched the first direct cargo service between Nairobi and Tel Aviv. The flight, which was operated on a Boeing 757 freighter, departed Nairobi on June 6 and arrived in Tel Aviv on June 7.
The flight carried 27 tons of cargo, including fresh produce such as pineapples and Nile perch fillets. The new service is expected to boost trade between Kenya and Israel, and it is also expected to help to reduce the cost of shipping goods between the two countries.
Astral Aviation CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia, announced at the ceremony this week that the direct flight from Nairobi to Tel Aviv will reduce the transit time from 24 hours to five hours for Kenyan perishables.
Previously, these shipments were being routed via other hubs such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa, and Dubai.
Addressing the Astral team during the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for agriculture Hon Mithika Linturi said:
“With the support of the Ministry of Transport you are now able to take us to Israel. I want to most sincerely congratulate you for the job you’ve done and I want to ask you to increase capacity so we can export even more products to other countries.”
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Astral Aviation is a leading cargo airline in Africa, and it operates a fleet of 12 aircraft. The airline has been operating in Kenya for over 20 years, and it has a strong track record of providing reliable and efficient cargo services.
The launch of the new service to Tel Aviv is a significant milestone for Astral Aviation, and it is a sign of the airline’s commitment to growing its business and expanding its reach.
The new service is also a welcome development for the Kenyan economy, and it is expected to help to boost trade and create jobs.
Benefits of the new service
The new direct cargo service between Nairobi and Tel Aviv is expected to provide a number of benefits, including:
Reduced shipping costs: The new service is expected to reduce the cost of shipping goods between Kenya and Israel. This is because the new service will eliminate the need to trans-ship cargo through other countries.
Increased trade: The new service is expected to boost trade between Kenya and Israel. This is because it will make it easier and more cost-effective for businesses in the two countries to trade with each other.
Increased investment: The new service is expected to attract increased investment from Israel to Kenya. This is because it will make Kenya a more attractive destination for businesses looking to expand into Africa.
Conclusion
The launch of the new direct cargo service between Nairobi and Tel Aviv is a significant development for the Kenyan economy and for the aviation industry in Africa.
The new service is expected to provide a number of benefits, including reduced shipping costs, increased trade, and increased investment.
Astral Aviation plans to further increase its frequency from a weekly to twice weekly service and will upgrade to the Boeing 767 Freighter.
