SolitAir, the UAE-based B2B cargo airline, has expanded its network into Africa with eight new destinations and plans to grow its fleet to 20 aircraft by 2027, reports Zawya.

The new 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 link Dubai World Central directly to key commercial centres across the continent.

The expansion supports SolitAir's strategy to build a resilient cargo network connecting the UAE with trade hubs in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The airline aims to improve supply chain speed and efficiency for regional businesses.

SolitAir will deploy two Boeing 737-800 freighters to support the new routes, bringing its fleet to seven aircraft. A second freighter is expected to enter service next month. The airline plans to operate 20 aircraft by 2027, serving over 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius from Dubai.

According to Boeing's World Air Cargo Forecast, African air cargo volumes are expected to double over the next two decades, driven by economic growth, policy reform and rising demand in sectors such as perishables and e-commerce.

In April, Africa's air cargo demand rose 4.7 per cent year-on-year, with capacity up 9.7 per cent, according to IATA. In July, African carriers saw a 9.4 per cent increase in cargo demand and a 4.1 percentage-point rise in load factor, reaching 46.8 per cent.

SolitAir's fleet is designed for reliable and efficient transport of specialised cargo, including pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials and e-commerce shipments. Operations are based at its 220,000-square-foot logistics hub at DWC.

Founded in 2024 by Hamdi Osman, SolitAir operates narrow-bodied Boeing 737-800 aircraft across the Global South. Mr. Osman previously served as Senior Vice President of FedEx Express for Europe, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa.