Nairobi-based Astral Aviation has appointed TAM Group as its exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for Hong Kong and Macau, marking a key move in its broader strategy to deepen trade connectivity between Africa and Asia.
Effective from 1 November 2025 through 31 October 2027, the agreement sees TAM Group assume responsibility for all cargo sales, marketing, and client service for Astral in the two markets, with a mandate to expand uptake across general cargo, e-commerce, and high-value freight segments.
Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, described the partnership as “a strategic relationship that brings China and Africa closer together,” noting TAM Group’s extensive presence not only in Hong Kong and Macau but across mainland China.
Astral Aviation partners with TAM Group: watch video online
“Hong Kong is a critical hub for e-commerce, and this partnership allows us to explore online logistics opportunities beyond our freighter operations,” Gadhia said in an interview. “The trade from Hong Kong into Africa is growing, and this expansion positions us to capture new demand and offer more connectivity across our network.”
Astral is already working with TAM Group in mainland China and has built a broad representation footprint across the country. The extension into Hong Kong and Macau signals the carrier’s intent to build niche capacity beyond the traditional gateways — including into Haikou, which Gadhia highlighted as “strategic for Africa.”
Anindam Choudhury, Vice President – Commercial at TAM Group, said the company is focused on maximising Astral’s reach beyond the obvious hubs.
“Astral is being proactive by exploring underutilised but high-potential points,” Choudhury noted. “Whether it’s e-commerce or general cargo, the volumes from China to Africa are already on the rise — and we’re seeing even more opportunities emerging, particularly as supply chains evolve.”
The agreement comes amid Astral’s broader push to scale its intercontinental reach. With increasing demand for diversified cargo flows between Africa and Asia, the airline sees its East-West corridors as ripe for growth – particularly in sectors underserved by larger integrators.
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Author: Anastasiya Simsek
