New UAE cargo airline secures GCAA certification, plans fleet growth

SolitAir, the UAE’s first cargo-only airline, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Gulf News reported.

Headquartered at Dubai World Central (DWC), the airline is now cleared to begin commercial operations, marking a key milestone in its journey to become a regional logistics player.

Fleet expansion underway

Alongside the certification, SolitAir has added a fourth aircraft to its fleet, which now includes three Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters and one 737-400 BCF.

The fleet is operated out of the airline’s 220,000-square-foot logistics facility at DWC and is geared toward transporting specialized cargo, including pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials, and e-commerce shipments.

Plans for growth and sustainability

SolitAir was launched two years ago by industry veteran Hamdi A. Osman, the former Senior Vice President of FedEx.

Speaking on the AOC approval, Osman said it reflects the airline’s operational readiness and ambition to offer fast, reliable cargo services across developing markets.

SolitAir plans to grow its fleet to eight aircraft by the end of 2025 and reach 20 by 2027.

The Gulf News report also notes that the company is exploring the possibility of introducing electric aircraft into its fleet by the end of the decade. “SolitAir aims to establish cargo routes linking Dubai with 50 major markets across Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East,” it added.