SolitAir gains EU ACC3 certification, expands East Africa cargo network
UAE – SolitAir has received ACC3 designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, authorizing it to operate secure cargo and mail services into the European Union.
For fresh produce exporters and food logistics investors across the Middle East and Africa, this regulatory milestone, combined with network expansion to Entebbe, opens new corridors for time-sensitive perishable shipments.
EU Certification: What It Means for Food Trade
The ACC3 designation, ‘Air Cargo or Mail Carrier from a Third Country Airport’, is a regulatory requirement for airlines transporting cargo into the EU from non-EU countries.
It confirms compliance with EU aviation security standards across operations and the supply chain. With this approval, SolitAir can move cargo between the UAE and Europe in accordance with EU-compliant security protocols.
For food businesses shipping perishable goods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and chilled meats, EU certification ensures end-to-end security controls and regulatory compliance, reducing customs delays and spoilage risk at European entry points.
Fleet Capacity and Operational Reach
SolitAir currently operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, all in active service.
Each aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 22 tonnes, supporting time-sensitive cargo movements across markets in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and China.
The narrow-body aircraft are deployed on short- to medium-haul routes, enabling high-frequency operations and faster turnaround times.
East Africa Expansion: Entebbe as Strategic Gateway
SolitAir has expanded its African operations with the launch of services to Entebbe International Airport, a key gateway for East African trade due to its proximity to Lake Victoria and regional markets.
As a result, Ugandan fresh produce exporters, including coffee, flowers, and fruits, benefit from this new route, which provides direct airfreight access to UAE hubs and onward connections to Europe.
The airline said the Entebbe service is part of its effort to connect emerging markets and strengthen cargo flows across Africa, enhancing access to industries and distribution networks in the region.
Outlook for Food Logistics Investors
The combination of regulatory approval, fleet expansion, and network growth marks a step in SolitAir’s ongoing development as it builds cargo connectivity across multiple trade corridors.
For Middle Eastern food exporters, EU certification enables compliant perishable shipments to European buyers, while African producers gain reliable uplift capacity from Entebbe.
As SolitAir expands, food businesses should monitor schedule additions and rate developments for time-sensitive cargo routes.
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