UAE-based cargo operator SolitAir is continuing its growth trajectory after announcing a significant expansion of its freight network into Africa.
The airline, which specializes in express daily scheduled and charter cargo services between Dubai World Central Airport and key trade routes across the Global South, said on Sept. 24 that it is adding service to: Benghazi, Libya; Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania; Eldoret and Nairobi, Kenya; Harare, Zimbabwe; Johannesburg; and Lusaka, Zambia.
According to Boeing’s World Air Cargo Forecast, African air cargo volumes will double over the next 20 years, driven by factors including economic growth, policy reform, liberalization of traffic rights and trade spurred by strong growth in areas such as perishables and e-commerce. The same report forecasts that in the next 20 years, Africa’s domestic cargo market will need an additional capacity of about 100 aircraft to meet demand.
SolitAir founder and CEO Hamdi Osman said the airline’s “commitment” is to create a reliable and resilient cargo network that bridges the UAE with key trade hubs across the Middle East, Africa and Asia to support more efficient supply chains.
“As SolitAir inaugurates eight destinations in Africa, we’re tapping into a region whose air cargo sector is on a growth spurt,” Osman said. “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.”
Recent figures from the International Air Transport Association highlight Africa’s strong performance in cargo demand. In April 2025, demand grew 4.7% year-on-year while capacity rose 9.7%. By July, African carriers reported a 9.4% jump in demand and improved load.
Osman confirmed the 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 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 6 hr. flight radius from Dubai.
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