SolitAir fleet
Between Dubai World Central (DWC) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH), the service collectively handles 1.2 million tonnes of air freight annually. It is operated by one of two SolitAir’s narrow-body Boeing 737-800 freighters, with a capacity of 23 tonnes.
Another Boeing 737-800 freighter joined the fleet in January of this year, enabling the company’s immediate expansion plans, which include routes to India and Bangladesh, key markets across Africa, and other Middle Eastern hubs.
“Eventually, SolitAir aims to connect over 50 Global South cities within a six-hour flying radius from Dubai,” he stated. The carrier raised $35.5 million in the first round of funding. “The second round is going to be $40 million. And we would use this to invest in expansion into Saudi and Africa over two years,” he said.
From a truck washer to President
The Egyptian national’s journey began when he moved to America to pursue his dreams of playing professional football after earning a degree in Physical Education in the ’60s and ’70s. Shortly after, he ended up washing trucks for FedEx.
“I did such a great job that they kept me in that role for six months before I moved up to working on the ramp and other areas. Then came my big break—I met the Chairman of FedEx while I was washing trucks,” said Osman.
“He asked me a few questions, and I told him, “Do you understand me while I’m talking?” He said yes. So, I asked, “Do you think I would have a problem driving a truck? I want to be a driver. Right now, I make only $2 an hour, but a driver makes $4 an hour,” he stated.