Astral Aviation, Silk Way West Airlines ink interline pact to boost trade
Astral Aviation and Azerbaijan’s cargo airline Silk Way West Airlines have signed an interline agreement to provide cross-selling benefits for both sides by using the wide network of flights to and from Africa.
August 10, 2021: Astral Aviation and Azerbaijan’s cargo airline Silk Way West Airlines have signed an interline agreement to provide cross-selling benefits for both sides by using the wide network of flights to and from Africa. In line with the agreement, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai will function as the key transit point.
Thus, Silk Way West Airlines will carry shipments from its network to Dubai handling it over to Astral Aviation’s flight to Nairobi, where shipments will connect to their network, respectively. The inverse will occur with Astral Aviation’s network with its base in Nairobi. The flights across the African continent will successfully connect the Silk Way West Airlines’ network.
According to Sanjeev Gadhia, Astral Aviation’s CEO, the Kenyan carrier is honoured to enter an interline agreement with Silk Way West Airlines, which will enable to reciprocate with cargoes, originating from its African network, to connect to Silk Way West Airlines' destinations.
“We will continue to forge new alliances and partnerships during the pandemic in line with our philosophy of promoting cooperation and collaboration with airlines and all members of the supply chain, as this will enable our respective clients to benefit with better options and connectivity from our respective networks.”
The agreement will allow Silk Way West Airlines to broaden its network toward Africa, since the carrier had no scheduled services within that continent. Subsequently, the networks of carriers will be in a position to complement each other, as there are a number of markets, where both airlines do not overlap with one another.
“It is another success for us having such a large network across the African continent. The benefits of this interline agreement are of great interest. In cooperation with Astral Aviation, we expand our footprint into Africa,” said Johnny Rubio, Silk Way West Airlines’ chief commercial officer ISMEA (Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Africa).