African air cargo carrier Astral Aviation has restarted its dedicated freighter service between Haikou, China, and Johannesburg, South Africa, marking another significant step in strengthening trade and logistics connectivity between Africa and Asia.
The renewed service will operate in partnership with Fly Noor Aviation Services following the signing of a strategic agreement during Air Cargo China 2026 in Shanghai.
Under the agreement, Astral Aviation will operate twice-weekly scheduled Boeing 767-300F freighter flights linking Haikou to Johannesburg via Nairobi, offering a 50-tonne payload capacity per flight to support the growing demand for reliable cargo services between the two regions.
Expanding Africa–Asia Trade Corridors
The reinstated route is expected to play an important role in facilitating the movement of high-value cargo between China and Africa.
Imports into Africa will include e-commerce shipments, electronics, consumer goods, textiles, automotive components, pharmaceuticals and general freight, while exporters across the continent will benefit from improved access to Asian markets for perishables, fresh produce, agricultural commodities and other high-value products.
As trade volumes between Africa and China continue to expand under growing economic cooperation, dependable air cargo services are becoming increasingly important for supporting supply chains, reducing transit times and improving market access for African exporters.
Strategic Partnership
The partnership agreement was signed by Sanjeev Gadhia, Chief Executive Officer of Astral Aviation, and Damanpreet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Fly Noor Aviation Services.
Commenting on the agreement, Gadhia said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening logistics links between China and Africa.
He noted that the dedicated twice-weekly freighter service will provide customers with reliable cargo capacity, faster transit times and improved access to one of the world’s fastest-growing trade corridors.
Singh added that the collaboration combines the strengths of two organisations focused on delivering dependable, customer-centred air cargo solutions while supporting the continued growth of trade between Africa and China.
Johannesburg Strengthens Its Role as a Regional Cargo Hub
Johannesburg will serve as the primary distribution hub for cargo destined for Southern, Eastern and Central Africa through Astral Aviation’s established regional logistics network.
Meanwhile, Haikou offers strategic access to one of China’s rapidly expanding manufacturing, logistics and e-commerce centres, enabling African businesses to connect more efficiently with global supply chains.
The enhanced route is expected to benefit manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders and logistics providers seeking faster and more reliable cargo services between the two continents.
Supporting African Logistics Growth
The announcement follows Astral Aviation’s continued expansion across Africa.
Earlier this year, the airline launched a weekly freighter service connecting Nairobi, Kenya, and Asmara, Eritrea, strengthening logistics connectivity across the Horn of Africa and supporting regional trade integration.
Headquartered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Astral Aviation currently operates a fleet comprising a Boeing 767-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F), a Boeing 767-200P2F, and a Boeing 737-400P2F.
As Africa’s manufacturing, agriculture and e-commerce sectors continue to grow, investments in dedicated air cargo services such as the Haikou–Johannesburg route will play an increasingly important role in improving regional connectivity, enhancing export competitiveness and strengthening Africa’s position within global trade networks.
