In the Frame: SolitAir CEO and founder Hamdi Osman was pictured in the cockpit of their new Boeing 737-800 on the day the company received its AOC, officially making it a UAE national carrier.
Dubai, 14 April - A new cargo-only airline, SolitAir, has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking a pivotal milestone for the Dubai-based carrier. This certification, issued after rigorous evaluation, underscores SolitAir’s compliance with the UAE’s stringent operational, safety, and financial standards, as outlined in the UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part V, Chapter 4. The AOC enables SolitAir to commence commercial air cargo operations, positioning it as a key player in the region’s rapidly growing logistics and supply chain industry. Headquartered at Dubai World Central (DWC), SolitAir is the UAE’s first dedicated cargo airline, designed to serve the middle-mile air cargo market, connecting global trade hubs with the UAE’s hyperconnected logistics ecosystem.
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The certification process was no small feat, requiring SolitAir to demonstrate robust operational frameworks, adherence to international safety protocols, and financial stability to sustain its ambitious vision. The GCAA, the UAE’s federal aviation regulator established in 1996, is renowned for its meticulous oversight, ensuring that all aviation entities meet global benchmarks for safety and efficiency. SolitAir’s successful navigation of this process highlights its commitment to excellence and its readiness to contribute to the UAE’s aviation landscape, which continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic diversification strategy.
Alongside the AOC announcement, SolitAir revealed plans to bolster its operational capacity through fleet expansion. The airline currently operates a fleet of four aircraft, comprising three Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs), one of which is under a dry lease agreement, and a single Boeing 737-400 BCF. These aircraft are optimized for reliability and efficiency, catering to specialized cargo needs such as temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments, and hazardous materials. The addition of a fourth aircraft strengthens SolitAir’s ability to meet growing demand from its state-of-the-art, 220,000-square-foot logistics facility at DWC, a hub designed to streamline cargo handling and distribution across the Global South and beyond.
Looking ahead, SolitAir has outlined an ambitious growth trajectory, with plans to integrate four additional aircraft by the end of 2025 and expand its fleet to 20 by 2027. This expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to solidify its position as a global logistics powerhouse, leveraging its strategic geographic location and world-class infrastructure. Furthermore, the airline is exploring sustainable innovations, including groundwork for incorporating electric aircraft into its network by the decade’s end, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility. SolitAir’s entry into the market not only enhances the UAE’s cargo transport capabilities but also reinforces its reputation as a hub for aviation innovation and economic progress.