Texel Air Australasia adds 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter

Cargo airline Texel Air Australasia has added a 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to support continued growth in New Zealand, where the company sees strong demand for freighter capacity.

The aircraft, named Florence and registered ZK-TXH, will initially operate on charter services to connect New Zealand’s main freight hubs with regional destinations and provide greater flexibility to move goods overseas.

The delivery of Florence follows the arrival of Karen, Texel’s second 737- 800BCF in New Zealand, in August.

Texel’s New Zealand-based fleet now comprises three aircraft, while the wider Australasian fleet comprises seven aircraft in total.

The Texel Air Group said that with this delivery, it now operates 10 737-800BCFs globally and has 12 Boeing 737 aircraft in total, with five based in Bahrain and seven in Australasia.

Texel Air founder and chairman John Chisholm said: “Having an additional aircraft based in New Zealand gives us greater flexibility to respond to the needs of businesses, whether that’s moving time-sensitive freight, supporting specialist charter requirements or connecting communities and businesses that rely on air freight.”

The aircraft is the 200th 737-800BCF delivered worldwide and the milestone was celebrated at a special event at Auckland Airport attended by representatives from Boeing, BBAM, Auckland Airport, customers, suppliers, industry partners, plus members of the Texel Air Group team.

Guests heard from Chisholm, who reflected on the company’s growth and long-term commitment to the New Zealand market.

A team of Boeing specialists converted the 737-800BCF at a Boeing facility by removing the interior, reinforcing the floors and installing a cargo loading system. A wide cargo door was installed to ease the loading and unloading of the aircraft.

The conversion adds over 20 years to the aircraft’s lifespan, said Boeing.

“The 200th 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter is an important milestone, and we’re pleased to celebrate it with long-standing partners, Texel Air,” said Lindsey Douglas, vice president, cabin, modifications, maintenance and digital services at Boeing.

“By growing its New Zealand-based Australasian fleet to seven 737-800BCFs, Texel Air is demonstrating the freighter’s versatility and reliability in supporting expanding exports and trade across the region,” she said.

Texel Air Australasia was set up in 2023 by Bahrain-based Texel Air, which was established in 2013 by Chisholm Enterprises.