Dubai-headquartered cargo airline SolitAir has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. The achievement was announced in a LinkedIn post by SolitAir Holding on March 27.
“The Founder and CEO of SolitAir, Hamdi Osman, has led the company to achieve an extraordinary milestone! SolitAir has secured its AOC in the UAE, in record time,” the company stated.
In addition to securing its AOC, SolitAir has expanded its fleet. Data from Planespotters shows the airline now operates three Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters (BCFs). Two of these aircraft are currently in operation with ASL Airlines Ireland, while the third, leased from ASL Aviation Holdings, is parked at Sofia Airport (SOF).
The partnership between SolitAir and ASL Airlines Ireland was first announced at the end of last year, with ASL Airlines Ireland operating 737-800BCFs for the Dubai-based carrier.
Since beginning operations in 2022, SolitAir has steadily expanded its network. In January, the airline launched new routes to Bangalore, India, and Erbil, Iraq. These followed earlier flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which began late last year.
SolitAir’s ambitions extend beyond its current network. According to its LinkedIn profile, the airline has plans to operate flights across Africa; the Middle East Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman; the Indian Subcontinent; and the Central Asian “Stan” countries, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
With its rapid progress and ambitious expansion plans, SolitAir is positioning itself as a key player in the regional air cargo market.