Astral Aviation will fleet the first of a total of three Boeing 2021-757F aircraft in November 200. These are obtained from Aquila Air Capital. The two companies announced that they have signed an agreement to this effect.
These are former passenger planes that have been converted into cargo planes for future use. SkyExec Capital Jets acted as arranger and will serve the lease during the term. The aircraft are expected to be delivered to Astral from November 2021 upon completion of scheduled maintenance.
"We are delighted to welcome Astral Aviation as a client. At Aquila, we are uniquely focused on providing our clients with cost-effective and flexible solutions to navigate these unprecedented times. We look forward to this being the start of a long-term relationship with Astral to facilitate their future growth," said Al Wood, CEO of Aquila Air Capital.
"We are delighted to enter into a lease agreement for three B757-200F aircraft from Aquila Air Capital and SkyExec Capital Jets for planned routes to and within Africa and the Middle East in 2022. In addition to e-commerce shipments to new markets, it will also provide point-to-point solutions for COVID-19 vaccines (from India/UAE to Africa)," said Astral CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia. The agreement marks a new partnership with the US lessor.
"The B757-200F will complement the Astral fleet with new and efficient options to and within its existing scheduled and charter freighter network, which covers over 50 destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia," said Satvir Kalsi. "With this agreement, Astral Aviation will become the largest B757F operator in Africa and the Middle East and the only B767F operator in the region," said Michael Mutahi, COO of Astral.
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