Dubai-based cargo carrier SolitAir has announced a significant expansion of its flight network into Africa, as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The 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.

These routes will enhance air freight connectivity for businesses in the region.

Hamdi Osman, founder an chief executive of SolitAir, said: “As SolitAir proudly inaugurates eight destinations in Africa, we’re 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.

“Moreover, in July, African carriers achieved a robust 9.4% increase in cargo demand, coupled with a noteworthy 4.1 percentage-point improvement in load factor, raising utilisation to 46.8%.

“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.”

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.

READ MORE NEWS: SolitAir to acquire two B737-800Fs from World Star Aviation