Kenya-based Astral Aviation has resumed its weekly scheduled Boeing 767-300 Freighter service between Nairobi and Guangzhou, restoring a key air cargo link designed to support the growing flow of e-commerce shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishables and other high-value freight between China and Africa.
The reinstated service also offers onward connectivity to Maputo, Mozambique, reinforcing Astral Aviation’s regional distribution network and enhancing cargo access across Eastern and Southern Africa. The airline said the route is aimed at meeting increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products, industrial equipment and general cargo, while improving supply chain reliability on one of the world’s fastest-growing trade corridors.
Originally launched in August 2024, the Guangzhou-Nairobi route marked Astral Aviation’s entry into the Chinese market. While the carrier has confirmed that the service has now resumed, it has not disclosed when operations were suspended or the reasons behind the interruption.
Announcing the relaunch, Astral Aviation said the restored service will further strengthen air cargo connectivity between China and Africa.
“We’re delighted to announce the resumption of our weekly scheduled Boeing 767-300 Freighter service between Nairobi and Guangzhou return, further strengthening air cargo connectivity between China and Africa,” the airline said in a statement shared on LinkedIn.
According to the carrier, the service will transport a broad range of cargo, including e-commerce shipments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, industrial equipment and general freight, reflecting the continued expansion of commercial trade between the two regions.
Astral Aviation added that the route supports its long-term strategy of connecting African businesses with global markets while strengthening supply chains and facilitating economic development across the continent.
The airline also acknowledged the support of TAM Group and Kingfer Lin, whose collaboration as general sales and service partners helped bring the Guangzhou service back into operation.
The resumption is part of Astral Aviation’s wider expansion strategy in China. Since launching its first scheduled China service in 2024, the carrier has continued to invest in the rapidly growing China-Africa trade lane.
Earlier this month, Astral Aviation also restarted its twice-weekly Haikou–Johannesburg freighter service via Nairobi in partnership with Fly Noor Aviation Services. Operated using a Boeing 767-300 Freighter with a payload capacity of up to 50 tonnes, the route is designed to support rising demand for e-commerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and African exports destined for Asian markets.
With both the Guangzhou and Haikou services now operating, Astral Aviation is strengthening its position as a key cargo airline linking Africa with China’s manufacturing and e-commerce centres, providing freight forwarders and shippers with expanded capacity across the China-Africa corridor.
