ASL Airlines Australia to add four B737-800(BCF)s

OE-LVC - B737-800WF - ASL Airlines - BSL

ASL Airlines Australia (PH, Sydney Bankstown) will add four incremental B737-800(BCF)s as parent ASL Aviation Holdings expands its operations in Australia and New Zealand, according to a social media post.

ASL said the aircraft had already been identified, with some to transfer from its existing European fleet to the Australian carrier's certificate. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Australia "within weeks", with the full transfer programme to progress over the coming months.

The group said the additional aircraft would strengthen ASL Airlines Australia's existing B737-800(BCF) network and support further expansion across the two countries.

ASL Airlines Australia recently started operating at the new Sydney Western airport, flying for Qantas Freight. The fleet expansion also comes as the ACMI provider pursues further growth in New Zealand through its proposed acquisition of the freight businesses of Airwork Group.

According to ch-aviation data, ASL Airlines Australia operates a fleet of 10 aircraft, comprising two B737-800(BCF)s, one BAe 146-200, four BAe 146-200(QT)s, and three BAe 146-300(QT)s. Other ASL Group airlines globally operate, among other types, B737-400(SF)s, B747-400Fs, ATR72-500(F)s, B767-300ER(BCF)s, and B737-800s.

CH Aviation / Photo: Ton Jochems

FLEET - Air Algérie To Convert Five Aircraft Into Freighters

Air Algérie plans to convert five passenger aircraft into freighters under an agreement signed with the Société de gestion des services et infrastructures aéroportuaires d’Alger (SGSIA) to develop a new cargo terminal at Algiers Houari Boumédiène International Airport.

FLEET - WSA Delivers Boeing 737-800BDSF Aircraft to Swiftai

World Star Aviation has completed the delivery of a Boeing 737-800BDSF to Swiftair, supporting the operator’s fleet renewal process.

Swiftair continues to play a key role in regional and intra-European air cargo operations, combining strong operational expertise with a versatile narrowbody freighter fleet. The addition of this aircraft strengthens fleet flexibility and supports the evolving needs of Swiftair’s customers.

World Star Aviation values its ongoing relationship with Swiftair and looks forward to supporting the continued development of its air cargo platform.

FLEET - GOL looks beyond Mercado Libre with 737-800BCF

Brazil-based GOL and its logistics subsidiary GOLLOG will soon begin operating a 737-800BCF as part of a plan to grow and diversify the carrier’s cargo business

AIRLINE - SUPER NOVA / B737-800BCF / UR-NPA

Ton Jochems
 

FLEET - Israel's El Al mulls freighter fleet expansion, buys B737

El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) is considering adding a widebody freighter to its fleet, it said in an update to its strategic plan. It did not disclose which aircraft type it is looking at, but investor documents released this week show an increase in the B777 fleet from 2028.

The airline also revealed that it plans to wet-lease three passenger and one cargo aircraft until at least 2030, alongside the addition of new in-house aircraft. It currently operates a single freighter, a B737-800(BCF).

El Al noted that it had signed an agreement with a foreign company to purchase a B777 for USD7.3 million in July 2024. It bought it with the purpose of dismantling it and increasing the number of spare parts and aircraft engines. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the carrier currently operates four B777-200ERs powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.

The carrier further disclosed that it had bought a B737-800 that it had leased for the past twelve years. It did not disclose the identity of the aircraft or the sum it paid. ch-aviation reached out to El Al for comment.

El Al Israel Airlines completed 2024 with USD545 million net profit, on revenues amounting to approximately USD3.4 billion. It carried 6.6 million passengers with an average 94% load factor.

El Al Israel Airlines operates 45 aircraft in total, namely sixteen B737-800s, eight B737-900ERs, four B777-200ERs, four B787-8, twelve B787-9s, and one B737-800(BCF). It has twenty B737-10s and seven B787-9s on order, either directly from the manufacturers or in dry-lease agreements with lessors.

CH Aviation

Photo: ELAL

 

NEW AIRLINE - AIR MASTER CARGO / B737-8F2(BCF) / SU-SFY -

Egypt-based Air Master has obtained its AOC and is set to become the country’s second 737NG freighter operator. The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority issued Air Master its AOC on Feb. 27, the startup told Cargo Facts, adding that it has leased two 737-800 freighters and will soon begin commercial charter flights.

Photo: Asomers

 

Texel Air Australasia (TNZ, Auckland International) has begun operating a four-strong B737-800(BCF) fleet for logistics operator Team Global Express, formally launching the service at a hangar event in Brisbane this week.

Texel will provide the capacity to Team Global Express on an ACMI basis for the next seven years.

The four aircraft to be used on the contract are ZK-TXA (msn 33013), ZK-TXB (msn 29644), ZK-TXC (msn 33798), and ZK-TXD (msn 35092) and primarily run domestic sectors within Australia, but also some short offshore routes to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. The Team Global Express contract was formerly held by Airwork NZ (Auckland International). Texel Australasia's fifth B737-800BCF services a contract for Parceline Express, a subsidiary of Freightways NZ and New Zealand Post.

Meanwhile, local cargo ACMI competitor Nauru Airlines (Nauru) also appears to have acquired additional work from Team Global Express and added a third aircraft to their operations servicing their contract with the logistics company. A B737-800(SF) registered as VH-8TG (msn 33003) began exclusively operating services for Team Global Express on May 31, 2024, mainly on the Brisbane International - Cairns - Darwin triangle. The airline already has its two B737-300(SF)s flying for Team Global Express on ACMI terms.

 

FLEET - SUPERNOVA AIRLINES to take first B737-808(BDSF), N970WS - ex Royal Flight (VQ-BRF)

 Supernova Airlines

ICAO - NPG 

Callsign - NOVA

Country:Ukraine

Founded: 2021

Started Operations: 19 May 2023

Official Site: supernova.aero

Photo:Rustam Mannanov @aviaspotting_uzb.j

NEW AIRLINE - BBN Airlines Indonesia has recently obtained an additional AOC for commercial passenger flights from the Indonesia DGCA

 

BBN Airlines Indonesia has recently obtained an additional AOC for commercial passenger flights from the Indonesia DGCA. The carrier will use three B737-800s for such flights, and is targeting operating a total of 40 aircraft by 2027.

FLEET - Xiamen Airlines takes first B737-800(BCF)

 

Xiamen 

PARIS AIR SHOW 2023 - Air Algérie Orders Eight Boeing 737 MAX Jets, Commits To Two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters

Air Algérie Orders Eight Boeing 737 MAX Jets, Commits To Two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters

- Algerian flag carrier to deploy 737-9 on short- and medium-haul routes

- 737-800 BCF positioned to meet growing air cargo demand

LE BOURGET, France, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Algérie today confirmed an order for eight fuel-efficient 737-9 jets at the Paris Air Show. The Algerian flag carrier also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) to meet increasing cargo demand in the region.

"This order will contribute to the development of the Air Algérie fleet," said Yacine Benslimane, general manager of Air Algérie. "This acquisition is part of Air Algérie's fleet extension strategy through the purchase of new aircraft."

Air Algérie operates a single-aisle fleet of more than 30 737-500, 737-600 and 737-800 jets. Adding the 737-9 allows the airline to carry more passengers, increasing profitability within its network. With added capacity and increased profitability, the 737-9 is designed to serve 193 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of 3,300 nautical miles.

"The 737-9 is ideally suited for Air Algérie's regional network, providing it with additional capacity and flexibility to operate seamlessly with its existing 737 fleet," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "In addition, the highly reliable and capable 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters will enable Air Algerie to capture growing cargo opportunities, expanding beyond its passenger business."

This 737-9 order was unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

The 737 MAX airplane family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions 20% compared to airplanes it replaces.

Boeing customers have placed more than 1,000 orders and commitments for the company's new commercial airplanes since July 2022. This includes over 750 737 MAX airplanes, reflecting the value of the family's versatility and commonality.

The 737-800BCF carries more payload (up to 23.9 tonnes) and offers more range (2,025 nautical miles) than previous standard-body freighters. Global customers have placed more than 250 orders and commitments for the 737-800 BCF.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

NEW AIRLINE - Kuayue Express (Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines) / B737-8FH(BCF) / B-5333 photos

Photo: CN-ZSHC

Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines

IATA: JG

ICAO: JDL

Main hub: Nantong Xingdong Airport
Country/Territory: China

Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines (also known as JD Logistics Airlines) is a cargo carrier based at Nantong Xingdong International Airport. The company was incorporated in 2019 and has a registered capital of CNY600 million (USD92.88 million) of which 75% is invested by Suqian Jindong Zhanrui Enterprise Management and 25% is invested by Nantong Airport Group. The carrier operates domestic including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and international air cargo transport. Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines received its air operator’s certificate from CAAC East China Regional Administration on 31-Aug-2022 and commenced operations in Sep-2022.

CAPA

 

NEW AIRLINE - PT Rusky Aero Indonesia signs lease for two 737-800BCFs to AerCap

 
The first passenger-to-freighter conversion will be completed by Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd. (BSAS), and the second by Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO).
PT Rusky Aero Indonesia, operating as Raindo United Services, is a scheduled air cargo transportation company that was established on June 4, 2022. . Raindo United Services will serve domestic (Jakarta, Medan, Balikpapan, Makassar and Surabaya) and international (Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou) routes from July 2023.

EgyptAir Cargo took redelivery of its first B737-800SF, serial 35560, following conversion.

Aviator Daily News
Photo: Egyptair

 

Indonesia's Rimbun Air acquires first B737-800 freighter (PK-OTD / MSN: 30281/ LN: 1076 )

Photo:Mas_Kentungs2

Balikpapan - Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (Sepinggan) (BPN / WALL), Indonesia

 

QuikJet Airlines resumes flying with a B737-800BCF

Quikjet Airlines (FQA, Bangalore Int'l) has successfully relaunched its own freighter flights with a leased B737-800(BCF) commencing revenue services in early December. The airline took delivery of VT-AAZ (formerly N120MN) (msn 30643) in August while reapplying for its air operator's certificate after a change in its shareholder structure.
On Friday, December 2, VT-AAZ initiated revenue flights with a Hyderabad Int'l - Coimbatore - Hyderabad - Bangalore Int'l - Hyderabad rotation. FlightRadar24 ADS-B data shows the plane has flown a significant number of sectors within India since then. The 20.74-year-old jet comes on a lease from Arena Aviation Capital via the MAM Aircraft Leasing 30643 (Ireland) DAC special purpose vehicle.
Founded in 2007, QuikJet formerly operated an ATR72-200(F), B737-300(F), and B737-400(SF) but suspended in-house flying in 2017 when it retired its B737-400SF. At the time, QuikJet was majority owned by ASL Aviation Holdings but that group has since sold down its stake to minority status and now supply-chain mogul Cyrus Guzder owns 51% of the business. Guzder has spoken of his desire to target the overnight express freight market.
ch-aviation has recently reported that QuikJet has a second B737-800(BDSF), N110MN (msn 28382), undergoing conversion at Jinan, China. The conversion process is now complete and that plane was ferried to Hyderabad on November 28.

Ch aviation

GOL to enter dedicated freighter market

GOL Linhas Aéreas is entering the dedicated freighter market and has signed a strategic cooperation with Mercado Libre. Part of the agreement is that GOL is to operate six B737-800BCFs for Mercado Libre, which can grow to twelve aircraft by 2025. All six are planned to be delivered before the end of this year.

Mercado Libre is Latin-America's most popular e-commerce website and is, orginally, a company based in Argentina. Today, there are six aircraft flying in the distinctive all yellow-livery of the company. Two B737-400Fs operated by Sideral in Brazil and two B737-400s and two DC-9Fs operated by Aeronavas TSM.
GOL is Brazil's largest low-cost airline and is operating a fleet of 21 B737-700s, 89 B737-800s and 32 B737-8s.

Scramble
Illustration by GOL

WestJet took delivery of its first B737-800BCF and welcomed the Boeing at Calgary

The aircraft is leased via BBAM and was temporary registered as 2-BPDL (34686). It has been registered C-FJWS since 13 April 2022 and is about to start its commercial life.

The new dedicated freighter is the first of four B737-800BCFs the airline is leasing via BBAM. The remaining three are all scheduled to be delivered later this year.

Photo by WestJet.

ASL Orders Up to 20 Additional 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters to Drive Environmental Sustainability

- Deal includes 10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights

- ASL CEO: 737-800BCF offers lower fuel burn and reduces carrier's environmental footprint

SEATTLE, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dublin-headquartered ASL Aviation Holdings (ASL) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced an order for up to 20 additional 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). The agreement is for 10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights.

"This new order is an important element of our fleet renewal programme, and we are delighted to expand our partnership with Boeing on the 737-800BCF," said Dave Andrew, Chief Executive, ASL Aviation Holdings. "The 737-800BCF offers increased reliability and performance, and equally its lower fuel burn reduces our environmental footprint. This is very important to ASL as an aviation group committed to environmental sustainability in aviation."

This is ASL's second order for the 737-800BCF and including options, will bring the organization's total 737-800BCF orders and commitments with Boeing to 40 aircraft. The aircraft will be converted by Boeing at approved MRO sites including STAECO in Jinan, China and at Boeing's London Gatwick MRO facility in the United Kingdom.

"We are honored to play a crucial role in the fleet renewal underway across ASL Aviation Holdings' operation," said Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters. "Boeing Converted Freighters support progress towards sustainability goals by providing operators like those under the ASL Group umbrella an economical way to replace less efficient, older-generation freighters."

The 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) – and flies farther – 2,025 nautical miles (3,750 km) compared to 737 Classic freighters.

Boeing has more than 40 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, relying on original design data and a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry to deliver a superior, integrated product, including fully integrated manuals and world-class in-service technical support. Boeing Converted Freighters also come with the advantage of being associated with the industry's largest portfolio of services, support and solutions. Learn more about the 737-800BCF and the complete Boeing freighter family here.