How SolitAir connects businesses
SolitAir, the UAE’s only dedicated cargo-agnostic airline, operates express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, catering to the bespoke transportation needs of freight forwarders, integrator airlines, SMEs and e-commerce businesses. Thanks to its agile, customer-centric and technologically advanced B2B, middle mile business model, SolitAir ensures swift, efficient and reliable airport-to-airport movement of goods and products. As a complementary partner to the global supply chain ecosystem, the air cargo carrier bridges critical connections and delivers tailored speed-to-market solutions.
Addressing middle-mile logistics demand, SolitAir is actively growing now its presence in India’s air cargo market. Having appointed GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd as its cargo sales agent in India recently, the company has already started its cargo services to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. It is also looking to add Chennai soon.
SolitAir operates a growing fleet of modern narrow-bodied Boeing 737-800 aircraft connecting Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) to high-yield Global South markets across the Middle East, Africa, the Sub-Continent and Central Asia, while adhering to stringent global, regional and local regulations. GAC Shipping is part of the GAC group, a global provider of shipping, logistics and marine services with more than 300 offices in over 50 countries worldwide.
As SolitAir’s cargo sales agent, GAC will draw on its deep local market knowledge and extensive network of 28 full-fledged offices nationwide to provide comprehensive sales and marketing services to promote SolitAir’s cargo services in the Indian market. This strategic appointment reflects air cargo carrier’s commitment to expanding its presence and providing comprehensive air cargo solutions in key international markets within the Global South.
“Our partnership with GAC India marks a significant milestone in SolitAir’s growth strategy,” says Hamdi Osman, founder & CEO, SolitAir. “India’s dynamic and rapidly expanding cargo market presents immense opportunities and GAC’s extensive experience, strong presence and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in strengthening our operations in this crucial market. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to better serve our customers and capitalise on the growing trade between India and the UAE, particularly after the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)”.
Bespoke strategies
Osman founded the air cargo carrier in 2024. Before starting this venture, he had worked as senior vice-president, FedEX Express Europe, Middle East, Indian sub-continent & Africa. “We are excited to welcome SolitAir to India with a big namaste,” enthuses Ravi Ramachandran, managing director, GAC India. “We look forward to representing the airline and promoting its services as their cargo sales agent. To do so, we shall work with the SolitAir team to develop and implement a bespoke marketing and sales strategy to penetrate key markets and win customers. Backed by a dedicated team of over 400 professionals, we are committed to offering the same high level of service that GAC is renowned for worldwide. We’re confident this partnership will drive growth for both SolitAir and our customers in India”.
The company aims to address logistics bottlenecks in India’s trade supply chain by offering short-haul and regional connectivity, improving delivery speed for industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles and perishables. With India’s air cargo sector projected to grow at 6-8 per cent annually, the carrier is positioning itself as a key enabler of efficient cross-border trade. India’s ‘Make in India’ and export-driven manufacturing policies are increasing the need for agile, high-frequency air cargo services.
Solitair today operates four narrow-body Boeing 737-800 freighters, each with a 23-tonne capacity. A third freighter will join the fleet soon, supporting the company’s expansion plans into India, Bangladesh, key markets in Africa, the STAN countries and other Middle Eastern hubs. The airline aims to connect over 50 cities within the Global South, within a six-hour flying radius from its Dubai World Central (DWC) headquarters.
“By the end of 2025, SolitAir plans to add four more aircraft to its fleet and aims for a total of 20 aircraft by 2027,” adds Osman. “This expansion is well-aligned with the projected increase in trade between India and the UAE, which is expected to exceed $100 billion by 2030. Our strategic location and cutting-edge infrastructure ensure timely delivery of goods within 12-24 hours, meeting the speed-to-market needs.”