flydubai launches freighter operations with three Boeing 737-800 aircraft
Initial freighter flights will target high-demand regional sectors, scaling frequency as operational capacity grows.
UAE – flydubai has announced the launch of its dedicated freighter operations, integrating three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir starting 1 October 2026, according to the company statement.
The aircraft will deliver 23,000 kg of additional payload capacity per flight, complementing belly-hold operations across flydubai’s fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.
The initial phase provides immediate main-deck capability ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season, with plans to evaluate passenger-to-freighter retrofits from 2029 onwards.
Network and cargo capabilities
Operating out of Dubai World Central (DWC) provides flydubai Cargo with dedicated airside infrastructure and direct multimodal access via Dubai South. The shift enables point-to-point charter and scheduled freighter capabilities across more than 125 destinations throughout Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The dedicated aircraft allows for tailored handling of specialised commodity streams, including aerospace components, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments and dangerous goods.
However, initial freighter flights will target high-demand regional sectors, scaling frequency as operational capacity grows.
Comments from the Executives
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s most connected hubs for E-commerce, trade and logistics, and its ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continue to create new opportunities for businesses to reach global markets. The launch of dedicated freighter operations marks an important step in flydubai’s evolution and reflects our commitment to supporting Dubai’s vision through enhanced trade connectivity and logistics capabilities.”
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, added: “Since 2009, flydubai has opened more than 100 underserved markets and expanded regional connectivity. As trade requirements evolve, our partners require guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised handling. Establishing DWC as our freighter hub gives our commercial partners direct access to Dubai’s world-class logistics ecosystem, backed by tailored products designed for high-value and sensitive cargo.”
Under Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, and Rashid Albashri, Vice President of Cargo at flydubai, the expansion will transition flydubai Cargo into a full-service logistics provider.
Moreover, it will offer both scheduled freight routes and ad-hoc charter solutions across its expanding global network.
Finally, this expansion supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by improving global connectivity and providing businesses with more efficient ways to move products.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
