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Charter cargo airline ASL Airlines Australia (ASLA), formerly Pionair, has added a second 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter to its stable.
The 26-year-old aircraft, MSN 28595, was last operated by Georgian Airlines as a freighter after its conversion in 2022, having previously flown for carriers including Malaysia Airlines and Airitaly. It joins ASLA’s first B737-800BCF, VH-CYK, which was delivered in May 2024.
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The plane will undergo final modifications before being deployed on ASLA’s cargo network by the end of this month.
“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.
According to ASLA, which mainly operates the smaller BAe146, the B737-800BCF is an “ideal fit” for the local freight market.
“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,” the airline said in a statement.
“This latest fleet addition supports ASL Airlines Australia’s ongoing growth, particularly between New Zealand and Australia.”
VH-CYK was the first B737-800BCF registered in Australia, and currently operates cargo services both within Australia and to nearby countries.
ASLA last year obtained a revision to its AOC, allowing it to fly the 737-800BCF, with VH-CYK delivered in February, issued an airworthiness certificate in March, and completed a proving flight for the AOC variation in April 2024.
Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings, which bought Pionair in April 2023 and rebranded it later that year, has a total fleet of 150 passenger and cargo aircraft across eight airlines, serving more than 150 airports worldwide.
“ASL Aviation Holdings is the largest operator of B737 freighters globally and specialises in express overnight freight on behalf of global customers including FedEx, UPS, DHL and Amazon,” the company said last year.
“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 per cent less carbon. This supports ASL’s commitment to sustainability and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
