ASL Airlines Australia, a leading independent charter and ACMI cargo operator, has announced the addition of a second Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to its growing fleet. This strategic expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for reliable air freight services across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
The newly leased aircraft, MSN 28595, was originally delivered by Boeing in May 1999 and underwent freighter conversion in 2022. It will receive final modifications before being deployed into ASL’s expanding cargo network by late July 2025. This new freighter will join the airline’s existing B737-800BCF, VH-CYK, which has been in service since May 2024 and was the first of its kind certified to operate in Australia.
Capable of carrying up to 23 tonnes of cargo, the 737-800BCF offers enhanced performance on medium-haul routes while delivering a 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its B737-400 predecessor. Its compatibility with existing infrastructure and operational familiarity makes it a practical and sustainable choice for regional logistics.
Air freight is increasingly vital in overcoming geographical and logistical challenges in Australasia. With e-commerce and next-day delivery standards accelerating, dedicated freighter capacity is essential. ASL Airlines Australia’s fleet expansion comes as a direct response to this growing need, with particular focus on strengthening cargo connectivity 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 of ASL Airlines Australia.
ASL Aviation Holdings, which acquired Pionair Australia in 2023 and rebranded it as ASL Airlines Australia, is a global leader in aviation services. The group operates a fleet of 150 aircraft across eight airlines in Europe, South Africa, Asia, and Australia, serving over 150 airports worldwide. ASL is also the world’s largest operator of B737 freighters.
ASL Airlines Australia continues its 30-year legacy of delivering safe, professional cargo and ACMI services. Headquartered in Sydney, the airline remains proudly Australian, bolstered by the global scale and experience of the ASL Group.
For more information, visit: https://aslairlines.com.au/
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ASL AIRLINES

