ASL Airlines Australia adds first 737-800 freighter

ASL Airlines Australia – the operator formerly known as Pionair Australia – has added its first Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to its AOC, which it expects to put into commercial operations in the coming months.

Australia’s first 737-800BCF, the aircraft (VH-CYK) is one of parent ASL Aviation’s 40-unit commitment for the converted freighter.

“Given the unique capabilities of the aircraft, ASL Airlines Australia is already in discussion with customers and expects to operate its first commercial revenue flights soon,” the operator stated.

Ireland-based ASL Aviation acquired Pionair in 2023 and rebranded it the same year to align with other ASL units.

The purchase allowed ASL to expand into the Australian and Oceania markets

ASL Australia currently operates a mix of Embraer 190-E2 twinjets and BAE Systems Avro models. Apart from charter operations, the airline provides night freight services on Australia’s east coast, operating for Qantas Freight on behalf of FedEx and Australia Post.

It has five main bases in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Cairns – and has a focus on the express and e-retail sectors.

ASL Aviation already has several carriers – four in Europe, plus airlines in Thailand India and South Africa – operating a total of around 160 aircraft.

The company is three years into a five-year fleet renewal programme that includes the agreement with Boeing for 40 B737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighters) conversion slots.

According to Cirium fleets data, the aircraft was delivered – in passenger configuration – to now-defunct Indian operator Jet Airways in 2006.

When the airline collapsed in 2019, it briefly operated with compatriot SpiceJet for about a year before being returned to lessor Avolon in 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It was then converted into a freighter in 2022.

Last year, East Midlands-headquartered ASL Airlines United Kingdom (ASLUK) expanded its fleet with the addition of its first 737-800BCF.

ASL expands into Australia with Pionair acquisition

ASL Airlines UK expands fleet and looks to further growth