NAC places two Embraer E190F with Astral Aviation

NAC places two Embraer E190F with Astral Aviation

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest regional aircraft leasing company, has agreed a memorandum of understanding to place the first two E190F passenger-to-freight conversions with Astral Aviation, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

In May 2022, NAC and Embraer reached an agreement in principle to take up to 10 conversion slots for E190F/E195F, with first deliveries starting in 2024. The aircraft for conversion will come from NAC’s existing E190/E195 fleet.

Sanjeev Gadhia, founder and CEO Astral Aviation, said: “We are honoured to be the launch operator of the Embraer 190F, which will be based in Astral’s Nairobi hub. It will operate on a combination of scheduled and charter flights on our intra-African network. The E-Jets are well known for their efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. We are confident that the E-Jet freighter platform will be a game-changing addition to our growing fleet. We are grateful to NAC and Embraer for choosing Astral to be the launch operator of the E-Jet Freighter.”

Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO of NAC, said: “As a launch lessor for the E-Jet freighter conversion program, we are pleased to have executed a MoU to place two E190F aircraft with Astral Aviation, a leading cargo carrier servicing Africa. NAC aims to remain the leader in regional aviation and expand into larger narrow body aircraft, while building our full life cycle asset management capabilities.”

Johann Bordais, president and CEO, Embraer Services & Support, said: “The response to Embraer’s P2F programme, which was launched only in March of this year, has been incredible. NAC has already placed their first two aircraft, and it’s great to welcome yet another operator to our E-Jet family.”

Picture of James Graham

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

1 in 5 flights could experience disruption without airspace upgrade

FAA certifies E-Freighter

Flowers for Ecuador: Avianca Cargo strengthens its commitment