Global aviation services company ASL Aviation Holdings, has disclosed an order with Boeing for 20 737-800BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters).

The deal, comprising ten firm orders and the same amount as purchase rights, is, according to the chief executive of ASL Aviation Holdings, Dave Andrew, an “important element of our fleet renewal programme” thanks to benefits such as lower fuel burn and increased reliability.

The conversion process is earmarked to begin in Q2 of next year – following conclusion of ASL’s existing backlog for the type – while the US manufacturer confirmed these 737-800BCFs are to be converted by it at approved MRO sites including STAECO in Jinan, China and Boeing’s facility at London/Gatwick.

Dublin-headquartered ASL Aviation Holdings says these 737-800BCFs – which can fly up to 2,025nm and transport a payload, such as express cargo and e-commerce freight, up to 23.9 tonnes – will be placed with several of the group’s carriers, comprising those in Ireland, Belgium and France, along with its joint venture airlines in Asia.

The move is ASL’s second 737-800BCF order – its initial commitment came at the 2019 Paris Air Show encompassing ten firm, plus ten options (which were later firmed up in February 2021) – now taking its current tally (including options) to 40 for the type.

At present, ASL – a leader in ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) airline operations serving major cargo and passenger carriers – has accepted re-delivery of 11 737-800BCFs from its initial commitments; for the time being, another pair are undergoing conversion while a further seven are to follow – a 20th example is poised for an “early 2023” entry-into-service.

Dave Andrew commented: “The aircraft has proven itself to be an excellent fit with our customer and operational requirements throughout our European network of 100 airports. The 737-800BCF offers increased reliability and performance, and equally its lower fuel burn reduces our environmental footprint. This is very important to ASL as an aviation group committed to environmental sustainability in aviation.”

Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters, added: “We are honoured to play a crucial role in the fleet renewal underway across ASL Aviation Holdings’ operation. Boeing Converted Freighters support progress towards sustainability goals by providing operators like those under the ASL Group umbrella an economical way to replace less efficient, older-generation freighters.”

ASL currently has a 130-strong fleet made up of seven types, from the ATR 72 to the 747. It has six airlines, including ASL Airlines Ireland, ASL Airlines Belgium, ASL Airlines France and ASL Airlines United Kingdom. Additionally, ASL has joint venture and associate airlines FlySafair in South Africa and K-Mile Asia in Thailand.