Kenyan cargo airline Astral Aviation has strengthened its fleet with the delivery of a second Boeing 737-400 freighter, leased from Canada-based Avmax Group, as part of its ongoing modernization efforts.
The newly acquired aircraft, delivered on November 21 and registered as 5Y-JSK, joins Astral’s Nairobi-based fleet, which serves over 20 destinations across East, Central, Southern, and the Horn of Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands. The 737-400F, with a capacity of 18 tonnes, will be used for both scheduled and charter operations.
Astral Aviation first introduced a Boeing 737-400F to its fleet in June 2023, also leased from Avmax. This recent addition reflects the airline’s broader fleet renewal strategy, replacing older models like the McDonnell Douglas DC9F, which was retired earlier this year after serving since 2009.
Modernization and Expansion Plans
With hubs in Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Liege, Astral Aviation is accelerating its fleet modernization. In addition to the two 737-400Fs, the airline operates various aircraft, including Boeing 757Fs, 767Fs, 727Fs, McDonnell Douglas DC9Fs, and Fokker 50s. Plans are also underway to introduce two Boeing 767Fs by the end of the year and two Embraer E190Fs in 2024 through a deal with Nordic Aviation Capital.
The company has expressed interest in acquiring more Boeing 737-400F and 737-800F aircraft as part of its narrow-body fleet renewal initiative. These new additions align with Astral’s sustainability goals, which aim for a 5% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Expanding Network
Astral has recently expanded its reach by adding China to its network, with a route connecting Guangzhou to Nairobi and onward to Maputo, Mozambique. The route, serviced by a Boeing 767F, was launched in partnership with Air Charter Service Hong Kong.
The latest investments in fleet and network reflect Astral Aviation’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities, improving sustainability, and meeting the growing demands of the cargo industry.