UAE-Based SolitAir Strengthens Global South Operations With New African Routes For Cargo Services

SolitAir, a cargo airline based in the UAE, has made a significant step in expanding its operations by introducing new flight destinations in Africa. This initiative is part of the airline's ambitious plan to enhance its network, focusing on connecting Dubai World Central (DWC) with crucial economic regions across the Global South.

The airline’s expansion includes flights to several African cities such as Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania, Nairobi and Eldoret in Kenya, Benghazi in Libya, Johannesburg in South Africa, Lusaka in Zambia, and Harare in Zimbabwe. These new routes aim to boost commercial ties between DWC and these key African hubs, improving air freight services for companies within these regions.

SolitAir's strategic growth is underscored by the acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft, with one already operational and the other expected to join shortly. This addition will increase the airline's fleet to seven Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. The company has set an ambitious target to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft by 2027, aiming to link over 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius from Dubai.

This growth will enhance not only the airline's capacity but also its ability to transport specialised cargo such as temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, e-commerce packages, and hazardous materials efficiently.

Operating from its 220,000-square-foot logistics hub at DWC, SolitAir is poised to strengthen its presence in the African market, which is anticipated to experience a surge in air cargo demand.

According to Boeing's World Air Cargo Forecast, the continent's air cargo volumes are expected to double over the next two decades, fuelled by economic growth, policy reforms, and an increase in trade activities. This forecast suggests a need for approximately 100 additional aircraft to accommodate the rising demand within Africa's domestic market.

Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO of SolitAir, expressed enthusiasm about the venture into Africa, highlighting the region's growing air cargo sector. "As Solitair proudly inaugurates eight destinations in Africa, we're tapping into a region whose air cargo sector is on a growth spurt. In April 2025, Africa's air cargo demand grew 4.7% year-on-year, while capacity surged 9.7%, signalling strengthened readiness and investment in the region's logistics infrastructure according to IATA.

"Moreover, in July, African carriers achieved a robust 9.4% increase in cargo demand, coupled with a noteworthy 4.1 percentage-point improvement in load factor, raising utilisation to 46.8%," he stated.

Osman further emphasized, "This upward trajectory underlines a dynamic shift in Africa's air cargo landscape - from latent capacity to tangible demand. SolitAir is perfectly positioned to lead this wave, connecting markets and delivering value where it matters most."