Carrier to establish cargo network from Dubai World Central airport.Middle Eastern carrier Flydubai is stepping up to dedicated freighter operations, with plans to introduce a cargo fleet from October.
The airline is to use three Boeing 737-800 freighters, which will be operated on a wet-lease basis.
Flydubai chief commercial officer Hamad Obaidalla says: “As trade requirements evolve, our partners require guaranteed main-deck capacity, flexible scheduling and specialised handling.”
Carrier SolitAir is to operate the 737s – which will have 23t payload capability – from Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum airport.
Flydubai says the services will commence on 1 October and complement the cargo carriage in the belly hold of its passenger jets.
“This initial phase provides immediate main-deck capability ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season,” it adds.
Flydubai intends to consider passenger-to-freighter conversion from 2029.
The carrier has a passenger fleet of 98 737-800 and 737 Max aircraft, but is preparing for long-haul operations with 30 Boeing 787s.
“Dedicated [freighters] allows for tailored handling of specialised commodity streams,” it states – among them pharmaceuticals, aerospace components, perishables, and hazardous goods.
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