Astral Aviation has flown 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies from Nairobi, Kenya, to Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo using a Boeing 737-400 freighter, reported London's Air Cargo News.

The cargo originated in Europe and was carried from Liege Airport in Belgium to Nairobi on a Boeing 747F operated by Astral's interline partner Network. It was then transferred to Astral's ground handler ?elebi before onward transport to Bunia.

The multi-stage solution was designed to overcome Bunia Airport's infrastructure limits, which prevent widebody freighters from operating there. The mission was coordinated with Scan Global Logistics, AVICO, and UNICEF.

Astral chief executive Sanjeev Gadhia said the operation showed the importance of partnerships across the air cargo and logistics chain. 'No single organisation can address humanitarian challenges alone,' he said.

Safety and compliance were prioritized, with Astral working closely with regulators, public health authorities, and airport operators in Kenya and the DRC. Head of safety Philip Omondi stated that the airline maintained the highest standards of crew welfare and cargo handling.

Mr. Gadhia added that Africa's challenges require African solutions supported by global partnerships. Astral has extensive experience in emergency response, having previously transported medical supplies, vaccines, PPE, and humanitarian cargo during Ebola, COVID-19, and cholera crises.