Airlines
Global South Trade Growth Drives Cargo Carrier SolitAir
UAE-based operator is growing its fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters
SolitAir Boeing 737-800 freighter
SolitAir now operates a fleet of seven leased Boeing 737-800 freighters from its base in Dubai. © David McIntosh/AIN

When China’s President Xi Jinping met with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump last month in South Korea, part of the subtext for his messaging was, in so many words, “never mind your tariffs, we’re growing our trade with the so-called Global South and we don’t need America.” The prospect of yet more goods moving around the vast markets spanning the Far East to Latin America was music to the ears of Hamdi Osman, founder and CEO of Dubai-based freight carrier SolitAir, because that is exactly the business opportunity he is looking to exploit.

The carrier began taking delivery of Boeing 737-800 aircraft in October 2024 and now has seven in its fleet, with three of these on wet leases and four on dry leases. SolitAir obtained its air operator certificate from UAE officials in April and is already operating scheduled services to over 30 locations.