Boeing and Texel Air, a subsidiary of Chisholm Enterprises, recently announced an order for the Bahrain-based airline’s first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, as the cargo charter experiences increased demand for its services.
The aircraft has the ability to be configured in seven different ways for multiple purposes, with changes made in a 48-hour time frame.
The Chisholm Enterprises-owned non-scheduled airline and MRO firm said this would allow switching between “humanitarian, government, express integrator and commercial flights from major airports to smaller remote runways” without compromising cargo volumes.
In addition to cargo, the aircraft is able to transport up to 24 people as well as offering the option for medical evacuation flights using two specialty medical beds installed on the aircraft. The aircraft is able to load both civil (PAG) and (463L) pallets.“The addition of a Boeing Converted Freighter to our fleet will help us meet current and high forecast customer demand for cargo transport, while also supporting our long-term growth and business goals,” said George Chisholm, Chief Executive Officer, Texel Air.“We chose the 737-800BCF based on its industry-leading performance and cargo capabilities, as well as confidence in Boeing’s conversion services expertise.” He added,
“We are delighted to welcome the arrival of our first-of-a-kind Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where we have proudly grown from an organic start-up airline to a leading innovator in niche cargo operations serving the Middle East, North Africa, and global markets.
“From our strategic position in Bahrain, a growing regional hub for aviation and logistics, we will operate this versatile aircraft, serving an international roster of clients that have long awaited a solution that provides them with unmatched levels of flexibility.”
Based on the popular Next-Generation 737, the 737-800BCF is meeting customer demand for a newer-generation freighter that offers higher reliability and lower fuel consumption and operating costs per trip compared to other standard-body freighters. Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short-haul routes, the airplane is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 pounds) and flying up to 3,750 km (2,025 nautical miles). “We are pleased to welcome Texel Air to the Boeing Converted Freighter family,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Services Sales.
“The capability, efficiency, and versatility of the 737-800BCF make it the ideal freighter to meet the growing needs of our customers in express freight and domestic cargo networks.” The 737-800BCF has won more than 150 orders and commitments to date, with e-commerce and express cargo markets driving strong demand for Boeing passenger-to-freighter conversions.
Boeing forecasts that airlines in the Middle East and Africa will require more than 200 new and converted freighters over the next 20 years. This agreement with Texel marks the first airline order of a 737-800BCF in the Middle East region. Founded in 2013, Texel Air, a subsidiary of Chisholm Enterprises, is a Bahrain-registered airline providing third-party cargo charter operations and comprehensive MRO facilities and services.
Initially the aircraft will offer three configurations, two capable of taking passengers and a third, full freighter option with a 20-tonne capacity.
Further configurations will be added in the future.
Initial configurations:
- Cargo Mode: eight pallet positions and the passenger interior is fully removable.
- Combi 1: seven pallet positions and 12 economy seats
- Combi 2: six pallet positions and 24 economy seats
Planned configurations:
- Combi 3: six pallet positions and 12 economies, 4 business class seats (16 seats total)
- Combi 4: six pallet positions and 8 business class seats
- Combi 5: seven pallet positions and 4 business class seats
- MEDEVAC : six pallet positions, 2 Spectrum AEROMED stretchers, and 6 economy seats
Pemco has also launched a full freighter conversion programme for the B737-700, with Chisholm Enterprises again the launch customer.
