By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 11, 2025
SolitAir, the Dubai-based medium-haul cargo operator, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates, a milestone that sets the stage for rapid network expansion and sustainable growth across emerging markets.
The certification, granted under the UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR), Part V, Chapter 4, reflects SolitAir’s full compliance with stringent aviation safety, operational, and financial standards. With the AOC secured, SolitAir is poised to scale its operations and play a central role in connecting underserved cargo markets in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and the broader Middle East to Dubai, one of the world’s most advanced logistics hubs.
“This certification by the UAE’s civil aviation authority is a testament to our operational excellence and innovation-driven approach to cargo aviation,” said Hamdi A. Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir. “Our mission is to offer agile, fast, and sustainable logistics solutions that connect fast-growing markets to Dubai’s hyperconnected trade ecosystem.”
Fleet Expansion and Growth Strategy
As part of its ambitious rollout plan, SolitAir announced the addition of a fourth aircraft to its growing fleet. The airline now operates:
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Three Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters, including one dry lease,
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One Boeing 737-400 BCF, optimized for regional cargo lift.
From its 21,000-square-meter modern logistics hub at Dubai World Central (DWC), SolitAir plans to grow its fleet to eight aircraft by the end of 2025, with an ultimate target of 20 aircraft by 2027.
Looking further ahead, the company is actively laying the groundwork to integrate electric aircraft into its network by the end of the decade, reinforcing its long-term sustainability vision.
Targeting High-Demand, Specialized Cargo
SolitAir’s aircraft are optimized for efficiency, reliability, and specialized cargo handling, including:
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Time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals
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E-commerce parcels
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Dangerous goods and regulated cargo
By focusing on high-value, time-critical shipments, SolitAir is carving a niche in mid-range regional cargo logistics, offering enhanced visibility, speed, and regulatory compliance across volatile and underserved corridors.
“Our fleet is built for precision,” Osman emphasized. “We ensure that sensitive goods—from medicines to high-demand retail orders—reach their destinations safely and without delay.”
Serving Dubai’s Broader Trade Ambitions
The AOC and fleet expansion come at a time when Dubai is deepening its industrial footprint and reinforcing its position as a global leader in air freight. SolitAir’s strategy directly supports this vision by targeting 50 key cargo markets across developing economies.
The airline is working to build essential connectivity between Dubai and cargo centers across East and West Africa, India, Pakistan, Central Asia, and GCC countries, fostering economic growth and trade efficiency in the Global South.
Why It Matters:
As global trade pivots to more regional, time-sensitive, and sustainable supply chains, carriers like SolitAir are stepping in to bridge the last-mile air cargo gap between emerging economies and global trade hubs. Their growth is not just operational—it’s strategic.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent at The Logistic News, reporting on air cargo innovation, fleet development, and supply chain transformation across EMEA and Asia.
