ASL Airlines Australia has expanded its freighter fleet with the arrival of a third Boeing 737-800BCF, strengthening its narrowbody cargo operation as the carrier continues to build its presence across Australia and New Zealand.
The aircraft, registered VH-AZ4, arrived in Brisbane on 19 September following a ferry flight from Shannon, Ireland, via Sofia, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Lombok. ASL Airlines Australia confirmed the aircraft as its third 737-800BCF, describing the delivery as another step in the continued expansion of its Australian freighter operation.
Aircraft transferred from ASL’s European fleet
VH-AZ4 is a 19-year-old Boeing 737-800 that was converted to freighter configuration in January 2024. Aircraft records show that the freighter previously operated as EI-HRB with ASL Airlines Ireland and was also operated on behalf of Dubai-based SolitAir before transferring to ASL Airlines Australia.
The aircraft’s move to Australia forms part of ASL’s wider strategy to transfer aircraft from its European fleet to the Australian operation. In August, ASL Airlines Australia announced plans to add four additional aircraft to its fleet to strengthen its existing 737-800BCF network and support the expansion of its Australia and New Zealand operations. The company said some of the aircraft would be transferred from ASL’s existing European fleet to the Australian AOC.
The latest delivery represents the first confirmed aircraft from that broader expansion programme to reach Australia.
Building the Australian freighter network
The fleet expansion comes as ASL Airlines Australia increases its activity across the region and develops its freighter network around emerging cargo infrastructure.
The carrier has also begun operations associated with Western Sydney International Airport, which has opened a new cargo precinct and is expected to provide additional capacity for freight activity in the Sydney market. ASL Airlines Australia recently highlighted its participation in a trial operation at the airport, including the operation of a BAe 146-300QT freighter on behalf of Qantas.
ASL’s Australian expansion also follows the group’s agreement earlier this year to acquire Airwork’s New Zealand and Australian freight business, further supporting its strategy to strengthen its regional cargo platform.
Long-range ferry flight highlights fleet transfer
The arrival of VH-AZ4 involved an approximately 18,000-kilometre ferry flight from Europe to Australia. According to ASL Airlines Australia, the aircraft departed Shannon and travelled through Sofia, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Lombok before its scheduled arrival in Brisbane.
The transfer required coordination across multiple jurisdictions, including regulatory approvals, overflight and landing clearances and international operational planning.
With the third 737-800BCF now in Australia, ASL Airlines Australia is continuing to expand the fleet supporting its regional freighter network. The company has indicated that the wider four-aircraft transfer programme will continue over the coming months, adding further capacity to its Australia and New Zealand operations.
