SolitAir expands Global South network with new Africa routes

Strengthens fleet with new aircraft to support growth plans

SolitAir, the UAE’s dedicated B2B, airport-to-airport cargo airline operating express daily scheduled and charter services and offering bespoke solutions between Dubai World Central (DWC) and key trade routes across the Global South, recently announced a significant expansion of its flight network into Africa, as part of the carrier’s long-term growth strategy.

This strategic move reinforces SolitAir’s commitment to creating a reliable and resilient cargo network that bridges the UAE with key trade hubs across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, helping businesses grow through faster and more efficient supply chains.

The newly added African destinations include Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania; Eldoret and Nairobi in Kenya; Benghazi in Libya; Johannesburg in South Africa; Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe.

Growth spurt

“As Solitair proudly inaugurates eight destinations in Africa, we are 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,” explained Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO, SolitAir.

This route expansion into Africa will be supported by the acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft – one already in service, with the second joining next month, bringing SolitAir’s operational fleet to seven Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters.

The airline aims to grow its fleet to 20 aircraft by 2027, with the goal of connecting over 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius from Dubai.

Operating out of the airline’s 220,000sqft logistics hub at DWC, the enhanced fleet will strengthen SolitAir’s regional network and bolster capacity for high-demand routes in Africa.