New route marks strategic expansion in China’s booming air cargo market
SolitAir, the UAE’s dedicated B2B, airport-to-airport cargo airline operating express daily scheduled, and charter services and offering bespoke solutions between Dubai and key trade routes across the Global South, has launched its first direct service to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjian Autonomous region in western China.
The new service is SolitAir’s first direct route to mainland China, following the successful operation to Hong Kong and a significant achievement in the carrier’s expansion strategy across the Global South.
“China is a cornerstone in our vision to connect the Global South through fast, reliable and tech-driven air cargo solutions,” observed Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO, SolitAir. “This new route will not only facilitate trade but also strengthen the vital economic bridge between the two nations, further enabling the seamless flow of goods and fostering greater prosperity across the Global South,” he further explained.
Transport node
Urumqi is a vital trade and transport node linking China to Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Historically recognized as the last major stopover along the ‘Silk Road’, the city’s geographic proximity to key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) routes makes it a critical logistics gateway. Its significance is rapidly growing with increasing demand for cross-border e-commerce, time-sensitive shipments and high-value goods.
Versatile fleet
SolitAir currently operates a versatile fleet of five Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters, with two more aircraft set to join by the end of August 2025. The airline aims to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft by 2027, with a vision to connect over 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius from Dubai.
Operating from its 22,000sqm logistics facility at Dubai World Central (DWC), the airline runs express middle-mile services across major trade routes in the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, STAN-countries, and now China.
