Flydubai to launch freighter operations

Flydubai has launched dedicated freighter operations to complement its passenger bellyhold operations and capitalise on Dubai’s position as a trade hub.

The expansion into freighter operations will see the carrier add three Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft to its fleet through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir.

Operations are due to start on 1 October and the freighters will complement the airline’s existing fleet of 98 passenger 737 aircraft.

FlyDubai said operations would provide immediate maindeck capability in time for the fourth quarter peak season.

The airline added that it would also evaluate the further expansion of its freighter operations through the addition of converted freighters from 2029 onwards.

Fludubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith 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.

“By building on the strength of our network and expanding our cargo offering and list of codeshare and interline partners, we are creating new pathways for businesses to move goods more efficiently, access new markets and contribute to economic growth across the region and beyond.”

The airline’s cargo division operates out of DWC where it has dedicated airside infrastructure and direct multimodal.

The freighters will allow 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 and the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

They also mean flydubai can offer tailored handling of specialised commodity streams, including aerospace components, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, express courier shipments and dangerous goods.

“Initial freighter flights will target high-demand regional sectors, scaling frequency as operational capacity grows,” the airline said.

Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai, added: “As trade requirements evolve, our partners require guaranteed maindeck 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.”