Astral Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's HNA Group in which the Chinese group's Hainan Airlines subsidiary will become a shareholder in the Kenyan cargo specialist, reports ch-aviation.

The agreement will see Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta developed into a regional East African hub employing five ERJ-145s on flights to neighbouring countries. 

Chinese premier, Li Keqiang, last month announced a China-Africa regional aviation plan: "Africa has seen its aviation express demands growing rapidly, but it lacks airport, air routes, especially regional operating capacity. China has huge experience and capacity in the construction and management of airports. We will promote the regional aviation industry in Africa. China will provide financing technical and human resourced support.”