Cargo airline SolitAir has opened a new freighter route between Dubai World Central Airport and Tianjin Binhai International Airport to build on its presence in China.
The Dubai-based carrier’s new route follows its launch of flights to Hong Kong and Urumqi last year.
SolitAir’s inaugural flight on the Dubai-Tianjin route carried a VIP cargo shipment, which the airline said highlighted the strategic importance of the new corridor to meet demand for bespoke, secure, reliable and time-critical airfreight solutions.
Hamdi Osman, founder and chief executive of SolitAir, said: “China continues to be one of the most important growth markets for global trade and expanding our network to Tianjin reflects our commitment to serving the evolving needs of our customers.
“Tianjin gives us direct access to one of northern China’s most dynamic manufacturing and logistics hubs while strengthening the US$111 billion non-oil trade links between China and the UAE.”
Tianjin Binhai International Airport provides vital air cargo connectivity for advanced manufacturing sectors including automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals and high-value industrial equipment.
The city also plays an increasingly important role in facilitating trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.
At the beginning of July, SolitAir also launched its inaugural flight to Sofia, Bulgaria, marking the cargo carrier’s first route into the European Union.
SolitAir obtained an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority in March last year.
Since its operational launch in October 2024, the airline has grown to 56 routes across more than 30 countries, including an 18-city network across Africa, anchored by a hub in Nairobi.
SolitAir operates a fleet of seven 737-800 Boeing converted freighters, each with 20-tonne cargo capacity and able to carry dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuable and oversized freight.
The airline is targeting fleet growth to 20 aircraft operating from its 20,440 sq m cargo hub at Dubai World Central.
