SolitAir secures EU ACC3 approval, expands Africa network

SolitAir has received the ACC3 designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, authorising it to operate secure cargo and mail services into the European Union. The certification came into effect on 19 March 2026.

The ACC3 designation, which stands for 'Air Cargo or Mail Carrier from a Third Country Airport', is a regulatory requirement for airlines transporting cargo into the European Union from non-EU countries. It confirms that an operator complies with EU aviation security standards across its operations and supply chain.

With this approval, SolitAir can move cargo between the UAE and Europe under EU-compliant security protocols. The company said the certification validates its adherence to international aviation security standards and strengthens its position as a certified cargo carrier for shipments into the European market.

The airline stated that customers and partners will benefit from end-to-end security controls and regulatory compliance for shipments moving between the UAE and Europe. It added that the designation reflects its commitment to compliance, security, and supply chain integrity.

The development expands SolitAir’s network footprint, which spans China, Africa, the CIS, the Indian subcontinent, and the GCC, and now includes access to the European Union. The company said the certification supports its strategy to build trade connections across key global corridors.

In parallel with its regulatory milestone, SolitAir has continued to scale its operational capacity. The airline currently operates a fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, all of which are in active service. The narrow-body aircraft are deployed on short- to medium-haul routes, enabling high-frequency operations in regional and secondary airports.

Each aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 22 tonnes, supporting time-sensitive cargo movements across markets in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and China. The airline said the fleet allows for faster turnaround times and consistent scheduling across its network.

SolitAir has also expanded its African operations with the launch of services to Entebbe International Airport. The new route establishes a link to Entebbe, a key gateway for trade in East Africa due to its proximity to Lake Victoria and regional markets.

The airline said the Entebbe service is part of its effort to connect emerging markets and strengthen cargo flows across Africa. It added that the route enhances access to industries and distribution networks in the region.

The combination of regulatory approval, fleet expansion, and network growth marks a step in SolitAir’s ongoing development as it builds cargo connectivity across multiple trade corridors.