Texel Air Doubles Its Fleet Of Boeing 737-800 Converted Freighters – Simple Flying

Texel Air has added another two of the 737BCF to its order book, amid soaring demand for air freight.
This week, Boeing and Texel Air, a subsidiary of Chisholm Enterprises, have announced an order for two more 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). This will bring the Texel Air fleet to four 737-800BCF in total. Texel Air is an aviation company based out of Bahrain that specializes in aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) as well as charter cargo, and aircraft maintenance repair.
The airline was the first in the Middle East to take delivery of a 737-800BCF back in January. This new purchase is a response to increased demand for air freight services. According to George Chisholm, chief executive officer, Chisholm Enterprises and Texel Air, commented,
“Our customers have responded very positively to the operation, performance, and capabilities of the first 737-800BCF, which we began operating this year. This initial response boosted our confidence in the product, and we decided to add two more BCFs to our fleet to help us meet our ever-increasing demand. Through the 737-800BCF, we have been able to expand our destinations and increase our payload.”
The Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter is a former Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft converted to cargo-carrying capabilities. According to Boeing the 737-800BCF can carry up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs.) over 2,025 nautical miles. It is intended to help meet the demand for 1,720 freighter conversions over the next 20 years. Of course, with a cargo door that's 3.58m x 2.18m or 141 x 86 inches a lot can be slid in.
But the 737-800BCF can also carry engines plus pallets. For instance, see the below infographic fromTexel Air:
As you can see, the Boeing 737-800BCF can carry an engine stand plus 9 Size Code A ULD (Unit Load Device) pallets with 88” x 125” dimensions plus one smaller pallet. It can add more freight in the belly where baggage used to go in its passenger carrying days. The engine in mind is the CFM-56 engines used to power the Boeing 737 Next Generation -600/-700/-800/-900 series of aircraft.
This is only one configuration available of five. Another arrangement has 11 Size CODE A ULD 88” x 125” pallets with one 61.6” x 60.4” pallet loaded in the rear. With the low to the ground design of the Boeing 737, loading pallets is incredibly easy, as pictured below:
Texel Air claims to be able to carry everything from automotive to e-commerce to perishable to pharmaceutical in those ULD pallets. Texel Air has enjoyed success with its 737 freighters and 737 passenger + freight "combis" – so much so that Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters, said;
“Texel Air’s early experience with the 737-800BCF is a testament to the versatility and efficiency of the freighter. We are pleased to provide Texel Air with an additional two 737-800BCF – the freighter capacity it requires to capture growth opportunities in the region with a capable, higher-payload freighter."
From horses with seats for the caregivers to highly trained guard dogs to birds; Texel Air has carried its fair share of unique cargo. Its business profile isn't limited to just e-commerce items, showing the clear need for cunning air freight solutions. The Boeing 737-800BCF is a unique solution to meeting the growing need for air freight now, especially as many passenger airlines wish to refresh their fleets with MAX series aircraft.
Does air freight intrigue you? Let us know in the comments.
Journalist – When not reading and writing about aviation, Joe is photographing it. Joe Loves educating the public about aviation, and generating enthusiasm around flying while supporting all those who work in aviation. Based in Skagit County, United States

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