Dublin-based ASL Aviation Holdings DAC today (16FEB21) confirmed that it has turned 10 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters options into firm orders. These aircraft add to the earlier purchase of 10 B737-800BCF announced during the Paris Air Show held in Le Bourget in JUN19.
Meanwhile, the first B737-800BCF out of the total order of 20 has arrived and entered service in JAN21 with ASL Airlines France. The second unit will be welcomed by ASL’s JV partner, K-Mile Asia
this month, and be based in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it the first B737-800BCF ever registered in Thailand. A further 4 aircraft are currently undergoing P2F conversion, with another 2
jetliners expected to enter service in the coming weeks.
Perfect fit
The ASL management points out an important environmental aspect, emphasizing that the 737-800BCF is up to 15% more fuel efficient and has lower CO2 emissions per ton compared to its sister model
B737-400SF. The 737-800BCF aircraft will be operated mainly by ASL’s European airlines on ACMI basis (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) and will be introduced to meet the requirements of
ASL’s express integrator customers, above all FedEx and Amazon Air.
“The performance and reliability of the 737-800BCF make it the perfect fit for our combined fleet renewal and growth programs, and so we have moved to confirm our 10 options earlier than
planned,” stated ASL Aviation Holdings CEO, Dave Andrew while announcing the agreement. He continued that “the aircraft offers an excellent option for our express cargo customers as they
develop their networks to meet demand in the years ahead. It is ‘right-sized’ in payload and range, and offers the improved carbon efficiency that ASL and our customers see as an essential
element in fleet planning as we aim for future carbon neutrality.”
Attractive performance figures
Based on the popular Next-Generation 737, the 737-800BCF meets customer demand for a newer-generation freighter offering higher reliability and lower fuel consumption and operating costs per trip
compared to other standard body freighters, stresses ASL. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tons per flight (52.800 pounds) over a flying distance of 3,750 km, (2,025 nautical
miles).
Jens Steinhagen, Director of Boeing’s freighter conversion program commented: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with ASL Aviation Holdings, which began at the Paris Air Show and was
highlighted recently by their first 737-800BCF entering service." The manager went on to say: "We look forward to seeing how their growing fleet takes advantage of the 737-800BCF's
market-leading reliability and efficiency."
Mixed fleet, high tonnage
Currently, ASL Aviation Holdings manages a mixed fleet of roughly 140 freighter aircraft, comprising of A330-200F, A300-600F, the Boeing variants B747-400F, B757-200F, the first B737-800BCF
delivered by Boeing, B737-400F, B737-300F, ATR 72-600F, ATR 72-500F, ATR 72-200F, and ATR 42-300F. This makes ASL and its subsidiaries main capacity providers in Europe and beyond, as evidenced
by statistics. Last year, ASL Airlines transported 810,000 tons of air freight globally on customer ACMI flights in combination with ASL’s own scheduled operations.
Heiner Siegmund
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