flydubai Cargo and SolitAir expand Central Asian freight operations

Image: SolitAir

UAE-based cargo carrier SolitAir has launched operations in Uzbekistan, adding Tashkent (TAS) and Navoi (NVI) to its Central Asian network with flights originating from its Dubai World Central (DWC) hub. The routes are served by Boeing 737-800BCF converted freighters, with a primary focus on time- and temperature-sensitive perishable shipments.

SolitAir’s existing Central Asian footprint already covers Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) as well as Almaty and Astana (Kazakhstan).

In a parallel development, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport announced that flydubai will launch weekly cargo service on the Dubai–Almaty route starting October 2.

SolitAir, however, will act as the ACMI operator for these flights.

The move follows flydubai’s September announcement marking the establishment of its dedicated freighter operations and the signing of a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir for three Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, effective October 1. Neither carrier has confirmed whether flights under the flydubai Cargo brand will run alongside SolitAir’s existing charter flights to Kazakhstan or replace them entirely.

Interestingly, in June, Emirates’ cargo division—which shares common ownership and a strategic alliance with flydubai—launched weekly flights from Dubai to Almaty using widebody Boeing 777Fs.

Commenting on the Uzbek expansion, SolitAir founder and CEO Hamdi Osman said the airline will bring additional capacity and network connectivity into a market that handles over 100,000 tonnes of air freight annually. He noted the service aligns with Uzbekistan’s ambition to strengthen its position as a Eurasian transport hub.

Osman stressed that SolitAir’s commercial strategy prioritizes high-growth, underserved markets, with Central Asia offering significant commercial upside.

According to state operator Uzbekistan Airports, the nation’s airport network processed approximately 51,550 metric tons of air cargo in H1 2026 (+33% YOY), bolstered by infrastructure modernization and evolving regional trade flows.

The Uzbekistan additions expand SolitAir’s network to more than 60 destinations across 40 countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Having launched operations in late 2024, the carrier currently operates seven DWC-based Boeing 737-800BCFs with a 20-tonne payload capacity, and targets a fleet of 20 aircraft by year-end 2027.