ASL Airlines Australia, part of Dublin-based ASL Aviation Holdings, has announced the expansion of its fleet with the lease of its second Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), MSN 28595, to its fleet. Originally delivered by Boeing in May 1999 and converted to freighter configuration in 2022, the aircraft will undergo final modifications ahead of its deployment across ASL’s growing Australasian cargo network in late July. The aircraft joins ASLA’s B737-800BCF, VH-CYK, which was delivered in May 2024. VH-CYK was the first 737BCF certified to operate in Australia and is operating across the Australian domestic and international markets.
The Boeing 737-800BCF offers an ideal fit, capable of carrying up to 23 tonnes over medium-haul routes, with lower emissions compared to earlier-generation aircraft, while leveraging a platform familiar to regional operators and infrastructure. Air freight plays a vital role in overcoming the unique logistical challenges of Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. With e-commerce demand surging and next-day delivery fast becoming the standard, logistics providers are turning to dedicated, reliable cargo solutions. This latest fleet addition supports ASL Airlines Australia’s ongoing growth, particularly between New Zealand and Australia.
“A massive thank you to our global ASL team for supporting ASL Airlines Australia in sourcing our second 737. Leveraging the ASL Group’s expertise and network is a key part to driving our success” said Stefan Oechsner, Managing Director at ASL Airlines Australia.
The B737-800BCF carries a greater payload faster, over longer distances than its predecessor, the B737-400 Classic. It is also more fuel efficient and emits 15% less carbon. This supports ASL’s commitment to sustainability and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. ASL Aviation Holdings acquired Pionair Australia in 2023 and rebranded the airline as ASLA later that year. ASLA currently operates a fleet of B737-800BCF and BAe146 aircraft, providing cargo and ACMI services across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
ASL Aviation Holdings is a leading global aviation services provider, serving more than 150 airports worldwide with a fleet of 150 aircraft in eight cargo and passenger airlines in Europe, Australia, Asia and South Africa. ASL Aviation Holdings is the largest operator of B737 freighters globally and specialises in express overnight freight on behalf of global customers.
