Kenya
Astral Aviation Cargo Tracking
About
Astral Aviation was established in November 2000 and started operations in January 2001 as a cargo airline based in Nairobi, Kenya, operating an efficient fleet of B767-300F, B767-200F, and B737-400F ranging from 18 tons to 52 tons. The carrier flies to a reliable schedule network of 20 destinations and a charter network to 50 destinations from its Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg and Liege Hubs, operating across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Astral has been a recipient of the International Award in Excellence in Air Cargo, African Carrier of the Year in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 & 2025 by Stat Times.
How to track Astral Aviation shipments
1. Go to the cargo tracking page on Astral Aviation's website at https://astral-aviation.com/track-cargo/. 2. Enter your AWB prefix number in the format 485-XXXXXXXX where the last digit is a check digit calculated as the serial number mod-7 (example: 485-12345675). 3. The system will display your shipment status including current location, pickup and delivery dates, and any delays or special handling notes. 4. If online tracking is not working, contact Astral Aviation customer service at +254 206 827222 for status updates.
What 485-XXXXXXXX means
The AWB prefix 485 uniquely identifies Astral Aviation as the issuing carrier for the air waybill, ensuring proper routing and handling through Astral's network of African, Middle Eastern, Asian and European destinations. The 7-digit serial number following 485 is the unique shipment identifier, followed by a check digit calculated using modulo-7 arithmetic (the serial number divided by 7, with only the remainder used). For example, in AWB 485-12345675, the check digit "5" validates that 1234567 ÷ 7 has a remainder of 5. This prefix system allows cargo handlers worldwide to immediately identify which carrier is responsible for the shipment and route it through the correct network.
Astral Aviation specialized cargo handling
Astral Aviation specializes in perishables, express, vaccines, pharma, DGR, mining, oil & gas, aid & relief, elections, sea-air, and peacekeeping operations. The carrier offers Astral Express as a premium air-cargo product for urgent and time-sensitive shipments with guaranteed-uplift service based on highest priority.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I track my Astral Aviation cargo shipment?
- Visit https://astral-aviation.com/track-cargo/ and enter your air waybill number in the format 485-XXXXXXXX. If the status hasn't updated after 24 hours, contact Astral Aviation at +254 206 827222 or email info@astral-aviation.com for assistance.
- What does AWB prefix 485 mean?
- The AWB prefix 485 identifies Astral Aviation as the issuing carrier. The format is 485-1234567X where 1234567 is your unique serial number and X is a check digit calculated as the serial divided by 7 (remainder only). For example, 485-12345675 has check digit 5 because 1234567 ÷ 7 = remainder 5.
- Does Astral Aviation handle dangerous goods shipments?
- Astral Aviation accepts DGR (dangerous goods) shipments as part of its specialized cargo capabilities including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, mining, oil & gas equipment. For specific dangerous goods class requirements and restrictions, contact their cargo team at +254 206 827222.
- How do I book cargo with Astral Aviation?
- Contact Astral Aviation's reservations team at reservations@astral-aviation.com or info@astral-aviation.com. You can also call their Nairobi office at +254 206 827222 or Dubai office at +971 44 51 9502 for booking assistance and rate quotes.
Astral Aviation cargo contact
- Phone
- +254 206 827222
- Cargo enquiry
- https://astral-aviation.com/track-cargo/
- Website
- https://astral-aviation.com/
Related carriers
Other cargo airlines in the same region as Astral Aviation.