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New-Zealand-based cargo airline Texel Air Australasia could launch trans-Tasman services after operating a landmark flight on a 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).
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The carrier has undertaken what it says was the world’s first EDTO (Extended Diversion Time Operations) 120 737-800BCF flight from Melbourne to Perth on behalf of Team Global Express, having recently been certified by NZ’s Civil Aviation Authority for ED120 capability.
EDTO 120 allows Texel to fly routes up to 120 minutes away from the nearest suitable airport, a major increase over the previous 75 minutes.
“ETOPS and EDTO capability is really important to the business, it was one of the reasons we chose the Boeing 737-800BCF,” said John Chisholm, chairman of Texel Air parent company Chisholm Enterprises.
“To fly across the continent of Australia, we need ETOPS and EDTO capability. To fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand to develop business, we need ETOPS and EDTO capability.”
According to Chisholm, Texel will continue to invest in new cargo technologies in Australasia.
“We are making significant investments in aircraft and technology to enhance connectivity, speed, and efficiency so exporters and importers can rely on our air cargo operations. The recent addition of EDTO 120 operations further strengthens our reach and reliability giving the ability to fly further from alternate airports on more direct routings,” he said.
“This is important because express mail and perishable cargo must depart on time to make overnight delivery deadlines and provide the best shelf life for perishable items.
“Weather events can close alternative airports used in flight plans; with EDTO 120, this widens our list of alternates and allows us to fly more direct routes giving our customers efficiency and reliability.”
The news comes after Texel earlier this year entered a strategic partnership with logistics company Team Global Express to bolster the latter’s cargo capacity.
The $480 million, seven-year deal will see four of Team Global Express’ 737-300 and 737-400 aircraft replaced with Texel’s 737-800BCFs under a wet-leasing arrangement, allowing more parcels to be picked up and delivered at regional destinations including Port Hedland, Norfolk Island and Karratha.
The company says a more frequent and efficient schedule will allow more overnight deliveries for its regional customers, with the partnership also supporting 59 jobs including 39 operations roles in Queensland.
“The new freighters will bolster the reliability of Team Global Express’ existing schedule by handling larger shipments and tighter deadlines with ease,” Team Global Express said in a June press release.
“Texel’s Boeing 737-800BCFs boast a 4,000kg increase in cargo capacity per flight from the aircraft they have replaced.
“Additionally, their multi-pallet configuration benefits the express and e-commerce freight market, enabling Team Global Express to offer greater flexibility for customer needs.”
