flydubai will launch dedicated freighter operations next month as the Dubai-based carrier expands beyond belly-hold cargo and builds its presence in the logistics market.
From October 1, the airline will add three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir, providing up to 23,000kg of additional payload capacity per flight.
The freighters will complement cargo capacity across flydubai's existing fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft, with further belly-hold capacity expected when its 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are delivered.
The initial deployment will provide flydubai Cargo with main-deck capacity ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season. The airline also plans to evaluate passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029.
The dedicated freighter operation will be based at Dubai World Central (DWC), providing access to airside infrastructure and the wider Dubai South logistics ecosystem.
flydubai said the move will enable scheduled and charter freighter services across its network of more than 125 destinations, covering Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the GCC and Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The aircraft will also allow the carrier to target specialised cargo including aerospace components, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express shipments and dangerous goods. Initial services will focus on high-demand regional routes, with frequencies increasing as capacity grows.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive at flydubai, said: “Dubai has established itself as one of the world's most connected hubs for e-commerce, trade and logistics, and its ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continue to create new opportunities for businesses to reach global markets.
“The launch of dedicated freighter operations marks an important step in flydubai’s evolution and reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai's vision through enhanced trade connectivity and logistics capabilities.
“By building on the strength of our network and expanding our cargo offering and list of codeshare and interline partners, we are creating new pathways for businesses to move goods more efficiently, access new markets and contribute to economic growth across the region and beyond.”
Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai, said the move responds to growing demand from cargo partners for guaranteed main-deck capacity and greater flexibility.
“Since 2009, flydubai has opened more than 100 underserved markets and expanded regional connectivity. As trade requirements evolve, our partners require guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised handling.
“Establishing DWC as our freighter hub gives our commercial partners direct access to Dubai's world-class logistics ecosystem, backed by tailored products designed for high-value and sensitive cargo.”
The expansion, led by Mohamed Hassan, senior vice president of airport services and cargo, and Rashid Albashri, vice president of cargo, is intended to develop flydubai Cargo into a full-service logistics provider offering scheduled freighter services alongside ad-hoc charter operations.
