SolitAir and Astral Aviation Signal Shifts in African Air Cargo Networks

The article reveals how 2025 reshaped air cargo flows toward Africa and other Global-South corridors, and what that means for carriers, shippers and logistics providers.

How the centre of gravity in airfreight moved

Last year saw demand keep climbing, but not where many expected — growth tilted toward the Global Southз Африка standing out as a high-velocity market. Global air cargo demand rose modestly, yet several African carriers and lanes outpaced the average, signalling a realignment of routes that used to be dominated by mega-lanes like Europe–Asia.

Key market shifts at a glance

Two carrier strategies: expansion versus recalibration

Different operators read the map in contrasting ways. SolitAir, led by Founder and CEO Hamdi Osman, pursued rapid network launches into underserved markets after securing an Air Operator Certificate from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Within its first year it rolled out more than 35 Global-South routes, including eight African destinations — a classic growth play aimed at high-frequency, reliable connectivity.

By contrast, Astral Aviation and CEO Sanjeev Gadhia framed 2025 as a year of policy-driven volatility: US tariff tweaks and tightened де-мінімум thresholds disrupted landed-cost calculations and parcel economics. Their approach was more about network recalibration than sprinting into new lanes.

Comparing strategic focuses

• SolitAir: Aggressive route development, focusing on high-growth corridors and building frequency.
• Astral Aviation: Risk management, adjusting capacity and pricing where policy moves altered trade flows.
• Common thread: Both emphasize the need for reliable, high-frequency connections as e-commerce and regional trade expand.

Operational headwinds: why planning got harder

The headline growth numbers hide a messier reality: carriers faced constrained aircraft availability, uncertain sourcing for freighters and P2F conversions, and volatility from geopolitical shifts. Even when demand exists, logistics teams often hit a ceiling on available lift — a situation that forces careful scaling rather than explosive expansion.

Practical bottlenecks

• Aircraft sourcing: Dedicated freighters and passenger-to-freighter conversions are hard to secure quickly.
• Capacity vs demand: Capacity rose slightly faster than demand, complicating yield management.
• Policy shocks: Tariff and de minimis changes reshape cross-border parcel economics overnight.

Why e-commerce supercharges airfreight in Africa

Where roads and trucking networks are uneven, air transport becomes the easiest way to keep shelves stocked and parcels moving. E-commerce creates a twofold effect: higher parcel volumes and a premium on reliability and speed. That opens opportunities for carriers prepared to offer frequent services on underdeveloped corridors.

Opportunities for logistics players

• Freight forwarders can develop niche routes connecting producers to global marketplaces.
• Warehouse and distribution providers can capture value by locating closer to new air hubs.
• Shippers should expect dynamic pricing but can benefit from improved transit times where capacity is added.

What this means for shippers, forwarders and carriers

In short, the market offers both promise and caution. Shippers chasing speed and regional reach will find new options, but they must watch for tactical changes like surcharges, route suspensions and equipment shortages. Forwarders that act early to secure space and build partnerships will be better placed to offer reliable services; carriers that balance frequency and aircraft discipline will keep customer trust.

Action checklist for logistics managers

• Audit demand forecasts regionally; don’t assume historic lanes will do the heavy lifting.
• Secure capacity through forward contracts where possible; diversification reduces risk.
• Plan for last-mile constraints — airfreight gains value only if ground distribution keeps pace.
• Monitor trade policy closely; tariff and de minimis moves can flip economics quickly.

Big shifts tend to be messy — it’s a bit like rearranging deck chairs while the ship is still at sea — but the direction is clear: more weight is moving toward emerging markets, and Africa is on the receiving end of growing commercial gravity. For logistics professionals, that means recalculating routes, partners and expectations.

These highlights make the topic compelling: rising African demand, contrasting carrier responses, and the operational realities of aircraft supply and trade policy. Still, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t substitute for firsthand experience. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. For your next cargo transportation, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransport.com. Get the best offers GetTransport.com.com

In summary, 2025 showed that global air cargo is no longer a one-note story: the вантаж map is being redrawn by demand in Africa and other Global-South corridors, policy shifts and capacity constraints. Carriers like SolitAir і Astral Aviation illustrate the two dominant responses — aggressive network build-out and careful recalibration. For anyone involved in вантажоперевезення, відвантаження planning, or розподіл, the takeaway is to stay agile: secure lift early, rethink routing, and partner with platforms that simplify booking and offer transparent pricing. Whether you move parcels, pallets, containers or bulky goods, aligning strategy to these trends will help ensure reliable доставка and efficient транспорт across increasingly important African corridors in the global logistics landscape.