Express carrier partner ASL Aviation buys 747 freighters from lessor

ASL Aviation has cargo airlines in Ireland, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom and Australia, and joint venture cargo airlines in Thailand and India. It also has a low-cost passenger airline in South Africa. Together they operate 150 aircraft for express delivery companies, such as UPS (NYSE: UPS), and e-commerce providers like Amazon. ASL Belgium has about 32 active freighter aircraft, including four 747-400s and 24 Boeing 737-800 narrowbody converted freighters.

ASL Down Under

ASL recently said it will provide four Boeing 737-800 converted freighter aircraft to ASL Airlines Australia to support the expansion of regional operations, which include flying for FedEx (NYSE: FDX) and Qantas Freight.

The company said in a LinkedIn message this month that some of the aircraft will be transferred from its existing fleet in Europe. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Australia soon and all transfers will be completed over several months. The company is completing preparatory work, including updating regulatory documents and hiring additional staff, so the planes can be added to its air operator’s certificate.

ASL is mum on exactly how many planes it is transferring and whether some of the additional aircraft will come through acquisition.

ASL Aviation entered the Australian market in 2023 when it acquired contract transportation provider Pionair. ASL Airlines Australia currently operates 11 aircraft, including two Boeing 737-800 freighters; four BAe 146-200 freighters and one passenger jet; three BAe 146-300 cargo aircraft; and a BAe 146-200 Quick Change plane, according to the company and aviation databases. Several of the aircraft currently appear to be parked for maintenance and other reasons.

ASL Airlines provides service in Australia and New Zealand for express carriers, and also provides charter services and long-term dedicated transport in the Pacific for other customers. ASL Airlines carries mail and parcels for Australia Post through its contract with Qantas Freight. 

ASL Airlines Australia recently began operating to the Western Sydney International Airport, which recently opened its doors to cargo carriers. The new airport provides ASL with additional opportunities to expand its cargo operations. 

The new 737-800s provide additional capacity for growth and operational flexibility, the company said. 

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.

New Australia airport has no curfew for cargo campus

US DOT approves UPS transfer of Hong Kong routes to Philippines