flydubai cargo launches freighter service between Dubai and Almaty

Image: Almaty airport

As anticipated, flydubai cargo, the freight division of UAE-based flydubai, has officially launched scheduled freighter operations on the Dubai–Almaty route. The inaugural flight from Dubai World Central (DWC) to Almaty International Airport (ALA) took place on October 9, operated with a Boeing 737-800 freighter. The new service creates a direct air cargo connection between one of the world’s primary logistics hubs and Central Asia’s largest airport.

The operations are conducted by Dubai-based SolitAir, which has provided flydubai with three Boeing 737-800BCF/SFs under a wet-lease (ACMI) agreement. Initially operating on a weekly frequency, the Almaty service marks an early milestone in flydubai’s broader freighter fleet expansion program launched on October 1.

Each Boeing 737F flight offers up to 20 tonnes of main-deck payload capacity, enabling the transport of specialized and demanding cargo. These dedicated freighters complement the carrier’s existing belly-hold capacity across its passenger fleet of nearly 100 Boeing 737s (primarily MAX family variants).

The introduction of dedicated B737 freighters supports flydubai cargo’s transition into a full-service logistics provider offering both scheduled services and ad-hoc charters. Looking ahead, the airline is evaluating the conversion of some of its remaining 25 passenger Boeing 737-800s into freighters. The next major step in expanding its cargo capacity will begin next year with the scheduled delivery of 30 widebody Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Operating partner SolitAir launched operations in late 2024. Based at DWC, the airline currently operates seven Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft and targets expanding its fleet to 20 freighters by the end of 2027.