LONDON – Texel Air celebrated the launch of its 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) today.
Texel Air, an established name in Bahrain dealing with MRO and air operations has added the aircraft to its fleet, and it will be first for the region.
The 737-800 BCF is claiming its popularity in the global air cargo market, and Texel Air is the first launch customer of this type of aircraft in the Middle East region, with the second 737-800 BCF expected to join the fleet of Texel by mid-September 2022.
With the addition of 737-800 BCF to its fleet, the airline can now aim for larger cargo operations, as the aircraft offers larger cargo volume and a longer range to cover distances across the Middle East, India, Turkey, and East Africa.
Texel Air has a total of 4 737 freighters (one 737-300F, two 737-700FC, and 2 737-800 BCF), bringing the total to 5 by the end of 2022.
The aircraft is registered under Bahraini registration A9C-GWC.
The key feature of the aircraft includes its carrying capacity of 23.9 tonnes with a range of 2,025 nautical miles (3,750 KM).
The fuselage offers 6,546 cubic feet of cargo volume in total 12 positions (11 standard and 1 on the main deck) with 4,993 cubic feet and 1,553 cubic feet in the lower hold.
Engineer Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication expressed by saying, “We are pleased to see Bahrain as a launchpad for yet another new aircraft. The first of its kind in the Middle East, which is being operated by Bahrain registered company, Texel Air.”
Mr. Mohammed further added that “Texel Air is a leader in the Middle East cargo charter airline business servicing the express and e-commerce markets. Having welcomed the Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi in August 2020, we are proud to see the strides that Texel Air has been taking, reflecting their commitment to investing in the regional aviation industry’s latest offerings and technology.”
“We are pleased to see that Bahrain’s regulations and infrastructure have enabled this growth and look forward to further supporting private sector aviation companies’ expansion and innovation.”
On this occasion, Boeing VP of Commercial Services Sales Anbessie Yitbarek also expressed, “We are thrilled to welcome Texel Air to the Boeing Converted Freighter family with the arrival of their first of two-market leading 737-800 the Boeing Converted Freighter.”
“The 737-800BCF is the right-sized freighter to support Texel Air’s fleet expansion plans, providing the reliability, efficiency, and world-class in-service technical support that will help Texel Air capitalize on rapid growth in e-commerce and express cargo demand.”
John Chisholm, Chairman for Texel Air’s parent company Chisholm Enterprises, also addressed that “We are very proud to welcome the arrival of the region’s very first Boeing 737-800BCF to Bahrain. “
“Along with our two versatile B737-700Flex Combi’s that recently joined our fleet, this addition will further boost our capabilities. We look forward to offering greater innovation and more varied cargo solutions to our global customer base.”
Mr. Chisholm further added that “A9C-GWC is expected to enter into service in mid-January. Our home, the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a strategic location and a regional hub for aviation and logistics.”
“Texel Air’s second 737-800BCF aircraft will be inducted for conversion with Boeing in May and is expected to enter service in September 2022.”
