Texel Air Australasia has added a Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to its New Zealand operations, expanding charter capacity and marking the 200th delivery of the aircraft type worldwide.
The aircraft, named Florence and registered ZK-TXH, will initially operate charter services, connecting New Zealand’s principal freight hubs with regional destinations and providing additional capacity for international cargo movements.
Its arrival follows the delivery of Karen, another 737-800BCF, in August. The two aircraft form part of a NZ$95 million investment in Texel Air’s New Zealand operations, reflecting the company’s plans to expand amid demand for dedicated freighter capacity.
With Florence entering service, Texel Air Australasia’s New Zealand-based fleet now comprises three aircraft, while its wider Australasian fleet totals seven. Across the group, Texel Air operates 12 Boeing 737 aircraft, including five based in Bahrain.
John Chisholm, founder and chairman of Texel Air, said the additional aircraft would give the company greater flexibility to meet customer requirements, particularly for time-sensitive shipments and specialist charter operations.
The expansion is intended to strengthen freight connections between New Zealand’s main cargo centres and regional communities, while supporting the movement of goods to overseas markets.
Boeing conversion milestone
The delivery of Florence was marked at a ceremony at Auckland Airport attended by representatives from Boeing, aircraft lessor BBAM, airport officials, customers, suppliers and industry partners.
The aircraft is the 200th Boeing 737-800BCF delivered worldwide, highlighting the continued role of passenger-to-freighter conversions in meeting demand for narrowbody cargo aircraft.
The conversion process involves removing the passenger cabin, reinforcing the aircraft’s floor structure, installing a cargo loading system and fitting a large main-deck cargo door to facilitate freight handling.
Boeing says the conversion can extend an aircraft’s operational life by more than 20 years, allowing operators to redeploy existing airframes for cargo operations.
Lindsey Douglas, Boeing’s vice-president of cabin, modifications, maintenance and digital services, said the milestone reflected the value of the partnership with Texel Air and the aircraft’s role in supporting regional trade.
She added that the growth of Texel Air’s Australasian fleet demonstrated the 737-800BCF’s versatility in serving expanding export markets.
Continued investment in Australasia
Texel Air Australasia was established in 2023 by Bahrain-based Texel Air, which was founded in 2013 by Chisholm Enterprises. The company provides dedicated freighter and charter services across the region.
The latest fleet addition strengthens its ability to respond to changing customer requirements and provide additional capacity for domestic freight movements and international shipments.
As demand for flexible air freight solutions continues to shape the regional market, the expansion gives Texel Air additional capacity to develop its New Zealand network and support businesses that depend on reliable air cargo connections.
