Traders dealing with imports from China have applauded an initiative to launch direct air cargo freight from China, which they said will expedite the transport of high-value goods such as electronics, luxury, and high-demand fashion items.
Kenya’s imports from China of electrical and electronic equipment alone were US$540.79 million during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Air freight is favored for its speed and reliability, offering transit times as short as 4 to 6 days from China to Kenya.
James Njamboya, an electronic trader in Nyamakima, said it takes between 20 and 28 days for a shipment to reach from China to Kenya by sea. The duration, he added, varies depending on the port of discharge and the destination port. Other factors, including weather, speed of the vessel, and rush at ports, also make a difference in transit time.
“Air Freight will be favored for its speed and reliability, offering transit times as short as 4 to 6 days from China to Kenya. This is critical for time-sensitive components critical for production lines to enable timely stock management. It is also important for fashion-related products and newly launched electronic devices such as phones,” Jamboya added.
Kenya imports several items from China, which include mobile phones, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, and parts, plastic products; furniture and fixtures; lightning; and related products, as well as shoes and clothes, through small and big traders.
James Kamiti, another trader who sells clothes in Ruiru, applauded Astral Aviation for taking a significant leap in its expansion strategy by launching its inaugural freighter flight from Guangzhou, China, to Nairobi, Kenya, last month, saying that its reliability will boost traders who deal with time-sensitive products.
“Although it is costlier than using sea, it gives traders more options and time benefits that may be of more value than the extra cost of freight,” Kamiti said.
The Astral Aviation cargo freight has a crucial onward connection to Maputo, Mozambique. This new route marks a major milestone in Astral Aviation’s efforts to strengthen trade and logistics links between the growing markets of Asia and Africa.
The introduction of this direct flight from Guangzhou, a vital hub in southern China, underscores Astral Aviation’s commitment to facilitating the flow of essential goods across continents. Guangzhou is known for its vast industrial output and, as a central gateway for Chinese exports, plays a crucial role in the global supply chain.
This new service is set to boost the transport of diverse cargo, including electronics, e-commerce goods, perishable items, industrial products, and high-tech equipment, directly to the African market.
At the launch event last month, Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, expressed his excitement about the new venture:
“We are thrilled to commence our operations in China with this new service from Guangzhou. This route enhances connectivity between Asia and Africa and supports the increasing demand for reliable cargo transportation, facilitating the flow of essential goods and contributing to economic growth in both regions.”
According to IATA, African airlines have seen an impressive 18.4% year-on-year growth in cargo demand, with the Africa-Asia market alone experiencing a staggering 40.6% rise compared to May 2023. The new Guangzhou-Nairobi-Maputo route is poised to cater to this emerging demand, offering importers and exporters a reliable and efficient air cargo solution.
Astral Aviation’s deployment of its state-of-the-art Boeing 767 Freighter for this service highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards in cargo transportation. The aircraft is equipped to handle a variety of goods, ensuring their safe and timely delivery across continents.
This expansion into the Chinese market is part of Astral Aviation’s broader strategy to enhance its global reach and provide unparalleled service to its clients, according to Gandhi. The airline has already established itself as a key player in the African cargo sector, and this new route further cements its position in the global air cargo industry.
“We are grateful to our launch customer, Air Charter Service Hong Kong, The Guangdong Airport Authority Co. Ltd., and our China GSA, IGS Air, for their support in making this route a reality,” Gadhia added.
The collaboration with these partners is indicative of the strong alliances Astral Aviation is forming to ensure the success of its international operations.
The inaugural flight departed from the city of Guangzhou and landed in Maputo last month. The capital of the Republic of Mozambique is part of the airline’s expansion into the Asian market.
Early this year, Astral Aviation, began cargo freight to Sharjah Airport Authority using Boeing 767 aircraft. Gandhi said that the company will provide scheduled service for perishables from East Africa to Sharjah for the UAE region, while on return, Astral’s consolidations from China, and the UAE will be moved from Sharjah to Nairobi for onward connection to Astral’s intra-African network.
Astral Aviation, headquartered in Nairobi, has a second hub in Liege, Belgium, while the Sharjah Airport will be the third hub for the company and its first in the Middle East.
“Sharjah Airport continues to attract new airlines and routes, such as Astral Aviation, which cements our leading position as an international hub for freight,” said Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
