SolitAir has launched operations in Uzbekistan with two new cargo services to Tashkent and Navoiy. The expansion brings the UAE-based cargo airline’s Central Asian coverage to three republics. It follows established services to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, the new destinations strengthen SolitAir’s focus on commercially important and underserved cargo markets, particularly for perishable shipments.
SolitAir cargo services strengthen Central Asian network
The new routes connect Tashkent International Airport (TAS) and Navoiy International Airport (NVI) with SolitAir’s growing network. Consequently, the airline now serves more than 60 destinations across more than 40 countries. Its network spans Asia, Africa and Europe, linking Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport with fast-growing markets across the Global South.
Uzbekistan is becoming an important market for regional air cargo activity. Air transport operators handled 57,200 tonnes of cargo across the country during the first half of 2026. The cargo volumes are being driven primarily by major infrastructure investments and changing regional trade patterns, according to the statement.
SolitAir said its new operations will support trade connectivity while adding capacity to the Central Asian market. The airline is particularly targeting perishable shipments, an area where reliable air cargo connections can support commercial supply chains. The two new destinations therefore expand the carrier’s reach while strengthening its presence in a growing Eurasian freight market.
The expansion also forms part of SolitAir’s wider network strategy. The airline operates as a dedicated B2B, airport-to-airport express middle-mile cargo carrier. Its network is designed to connect commercially vital but underserved trade routes from its Dubai hub to international markets.
SolitAir cargo services backed by growing freighter fleet
SolitAir currently operates seven Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. Each aircraft has a cargo capacity of 20 tonnes, giving the carrier dedicated freighter capability for its expanding network. The airline operates from a 20,440-square-metre cargo hub at Dubai World Central, which became operational in October 2024.
Furthermore, SolitAir has plans to significantly expand its fleet. The airline intends to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft by the end of 2027. That planned growth would provide additional capacity as the carrier develops its network across Asia, Africa and Europe.
SolitAir also holds several aviation regulatory approvals supporting its international operations. These include a UAE GCAA Air Operator’s Certificate, EASA Third Country Operator authorisation and ACC3 designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority. The airline also holds UK CAA Third Country Operator certification.
Regulatory information on UAE aviation can also be accessed through the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.
Uzbekistan expansion supports SolitAir’s wider ambitions
SolitAir Founder and CEO Hamdi Osman said the expansion would add capacity and connectivity to an important regional cargo market. He linked the airline’s development in Uzbekistan to the country’s ambitions to strengthen its role as a Eurasian transport hub.
“In a market handling more than 100,000 tonnes of air cargo annually, SolitAir cargo services brings additional capacity and network connectivity across the Global South and Europe, supporting Uzbekistan’s ambitions to further strengthen its position as a Eurasian transport hub,” Osman said.
He added that Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region represent an important opportunity for the airline. According to Osman, SolitAir aims to support fast-growing destinations that remain underserved while expanding connectivity between the Global South and Europe.
“At SolitAir, our goal is to support the ambitions of fast-growing yet underserved destinations. Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region offer us an important opportunity to contribute to the growth of these markets as we move closer to our vision of providing the Global South with unparalleled connectivity,” he said.
The launch of the Tashkent and Navoiy services consequently marks another step in SolitAir cargo services international expansion. With more than 60 destinations already within its network and a planned fleet increase to 20 aircraft by 2027, the carrier is continuing to build its airport-to-airport cargo operation across commercially significant markets.
