ASL Airlines Australia adds second 737-800BCF
ASL Airlines Australia expands with a second 737-800BCF, enhancing capacity and sustainability in Australasian air cargo.
ASL Airlines Australia expands with a second 737-800BCF, enhancing capacity and sustainability in Australasian air cargo.
ASL Airlines Australia, the country’s leading independent charter and ACMI cargo airline, has announced the lease of its second Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), MSN 28595, marking another milestone in the airline’s rapid fleet expansion. The aircraft, originally delivered by Boeing in May 1999 and converted to a freighter in 2022, will undergo final modifications before joining ASL’s growing Australasian cargo network in late July 2025.
This latest addition follows the delivery of ASLA’s first 737-800BCF, VH-CYK, in May 2024. VH-CYK was the first 737BCF certified to operate in Australia and is already serving both domestic and international routes, supporting the surging demand for reliable, express air cargo solutions. The 737-800BCF can carry up to 23 tonnes over medium-haul routes, offering improved fuel efficiency and 15% lower carbon emissions compared to older 737-400 models, aligning with ASL’s commitment to sustainability and its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
ASL Airlines Australia’s expanded fleet is a direct response to the logistical challenges of serving Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific—regions where air freight is vital due to vast distances and unique geographic barriers. With e-commerce growth and next-day delivery expectations rising, the need for dedicated, efficient cargo operations has never been greater.
The airline’s growth is underpinned by the expertise and global reach of its parent, ASL Aviation Holdings, which operates a fleet of 150 aircraft across eight airlines worldwide and is the largest operator of 737 freighters globally. ASL’s acquisition of Pionair Australia in 2023 and its subsequent rebranding to ASL Airlines Australia has solidified its position in the region, with a fleet that now includes both 737-800BCF and BAe146 aircraft, serving key markets in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Stefan Oechsner, CEO & Managing Director of ASL Airlines Australia, credited the company’s global team and the strength of the ASL Group network for supporting the rapid fleet expansion. “Leveraging the ASL Group’s expertise and network is a key part to driving our success,” he said.
With its latest fleet investment, ASL Airlines Australia is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Australasian cargo market, providing faster, greener, and more reliable air freight solutions for the region’s businesses and consumers.
