Loading...
Dubai-based airline flydubai is expanding its cargo business with the launch of dedicated freighter operations, adding three Boeing 737-800 freighters under a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. The new operation is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026 from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), marking the first phase of the carrier’s dedicated cargo fleet expansion.
The three freighters will provide an additional 23,000 kg of payload capacity per flight, complementing cargo carried in the belly holds of flydubai’s existing fleet of 98 Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. The dedicated main-deck capacity is being introduced ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season, while the airline plans to assess passenger-to-freighter conversions from 2029 onwards. Further cargo capacity is also expected as flydubai takes delivery of its planned 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
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. 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.”
Based at DWC, flydubai Cargo will benefit from dedicated airside infrastructure and multimodal connectivity through Dubai South. The freighter operation will support scheduled freight services and point-to-point charter operations across a network of more than 125 destinations spanning Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the GCC, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The dedicated aircraft will also enable specialised handling for pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, dangerous goods, express shipments and aerospace components. Initial flights are expected to focus on high-demand regional sectors, with frequencies increasing as capacity develops. The expansion is intended to position flydubai Cargo as a broader logistics provider offering both scheduled freight and ad-hoc charter solutions.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Boeing’s 777 Freighter (777F) has become the most widely operated dedicated freighter aircraft globally, overtaking the combined in-service fleet of Boeing 747 freighter variants, according to reports. The milestone reinforces the aircraft’s position in long-haul air cargo operations, where airlines require high payload capacity, extended range and operational efficiency. More than 330 Boeing 777F aircraft are now in service worldwide. Boeing’s reported figures indicate that the fleet accounts for approximately 40% of global freighter capacity and transports more air cargo annually than any other freighter type. Its growing presence reflects the importance of large widebody aircraft in connecting major manufacturing centres, distribution hubs and consumer markets across continents. Strong performance on long-haul routes The 777F’s operational utilisation highlights its role in international freight networks. During 2025, the fleet recorded approximately 6,250 flight hours, averaging more than 17 hours of operation per aircraft per day. Boeing’s figures also indicate that the aircraft accounted for around 80% of freighter flights covering distances exceeding 6,000 nautical miles. The company estimates that goods worth approximately US$4 trillion were transported aboard 777F aircraft during the year. The aircraft’s capabilities support direct, long-distance cargo services with fewer technical stops. Boeing lists the 777F’s maximum structural payload at 107 tonnes and its range at up to 5,000 nautical miles with a full payload of that capacity. These characteristics make it suitable for express shipments, e-commerce consignments, industrial goods and other time-sensitive international freight. Production outlook and next-generation transition The aircraft’s market position is also supported by continued demand for large freighters. In September 2026, the US Federal Aviation Administration granted Boeing an exemption allowing up to 35 additional 777F aircraft to receive certification beyond the emissions-rule deadline, providing a bridge towards the next-generation 777-8 Freighter. Boeing’s 777-8F is designed to carry up to 118 tonnes of structural payload, with a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a 110-tonne payload. As global trade networks evolve and demand for long-haul air freight remains significant, the 777F’s extensive operating base underlines its importance to airlines, freight forwarders and international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Etihad Cargo has supported a five-year international wildlife rescue mission by transporting two rescued brown bears from Russia to their new home at Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal, highlighting the role of specialised air cargo operations in advancing animal welfare and conservation. The bears, Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, previously kept at a petting zoo, had spent years in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia. Their arrival in Ireland on 4 August 2026 marked a major milestone in the rescue effort led by Killian McLaughlin, Founder and Director of Wild Ireland, with more than 100 people across multiple countries contributing to the mission. Etihad Cargo transported the bears from Moscow to Dublin via its Abu Dhabi hub, working alongside Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora to coordinate specialist handling and transit arrangements at Zayed International Airport. The operation drew on the carrier’s experience in live-animal transportation, supported by its International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV Live Animals certification, which recognises standards for animal handling, safety and welfare. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad, said the mission demonstrated how the airline’s global network and operational expertise can contribute to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. He highlighted the collaboration between the participating organisations as central to giving the bears an opportunity for a better life. Following their arrival, Bu and Tyapa moved into their new forest habitat at Wild Ireland in September, where they are showing encouraging signs of recovery and gradually adapting to their surroundings. McLaughlin said the successful relocation was the culmination of years of challenges and collective effort across national borders. The rescue is also being documented by Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions, with a documentary chronicling the five-year mission expected to be released in 2027. Shane Brennan, CEO of Moondance Productions, described the collaboration between Wild Ireland, Etihad Cargo and international partners as a powerful example of what coordinated efforts can achieve for animal welfare. Beyond the transportation itself, the mission underscores the importance of specialised cargo expertise, careful handling and cross-border coordination in moving vulnerable animals safely. For Etihad Cargo, the operation illustrates how its international network can support initiatives that extend beyond commercial logistics to wildlife protection and conservation.
Air Canada Cargo is expanding its dedicated freighter network for the 2026-27 winter season, introducing new services from its Toronto hub to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Monterrey in Mexico and Panama City in Panama. The additions are expected to strengthen air freight connectivity across transatlantic and Latin American trade lanes, while providing shippers with additional cargo capacity and routing options. The airline will launch its twice-weekly freighter service to Amsterdam on 29 October. The new route will complement Air Canada’s existing passenger operations to the Dutch city, providing dedicated main-deck cargo capacity during the winter period, when reduced passenger flight frequencies can constrain available belly-hold capacity on some transatlantic routes. The expansion also extends the carrier’s reach across key manufacturing and distribution markets in Latin America. Freighter services to Monterrey will begin on 26 October, operating three times a week, while operations to Panama City are scheduled to commence on 25 October, with up to two weekly flights. Air Canada Cargo already serves Mexico City and Guadalajara with its dedicated freighter aircraft. Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial – Cargo at Air Canada, said the Amsterdam service would strengthen the airline’s European network by providing dedicated cargo capacity and improving access for customers in the Netherlands and across Europe. He added that the new services to Monterrey and Panama City would improve two-way connectivity between Europe and the airline’s growing Latin American network, creating more opportunities to reach markets including Quito, Lima, Bogotá and Mexico City. The expanded network is expected to benefit freight forwarders and businesses seeking greater flexibility in moving goods between Canada, Europe and Latin America. Toronto Pearson, Air Canada Cargo’s principal hub for the new services, will continue to play a key role in connecting Canadian businesses with international markets. By adding dedicated freighter capacity across these routes, Air Canada Cargo is positioning its winter schedule to address seasonal capacity constraints and support more reliable international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
