Express Cargo Airlines (Jakarta Halim) has taken delivery of its first aircraft as it prepares to secure its air operator's certificate (AOC) and start operations, according to Cargo Facts.

The outlet reports that the Indonesian cargo startup has begun test flights with PK-ECA (man 24789), a 32.66-year-old B737-300(F). The airline's social media indicates the first test flight occurred in mid-June. ADS-B flight tracking data shows the aircraft operating multiple flights in Indonesia in recent weeks. The airline reportedly expects to receive its AOC later this month.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, PK-ECA most recently operated for Africa Charter Airline (FSK, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) while registered as ZS-PKV. The aircraft, now bearing the Express Cargo Airlines livery, is owned and managed by Cardigair (7D, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta). Indonesian business records show PT Express Cargo Airlines is a limited liability company based in West Jakarta

The start-up airline joins an increasingly crowded cargo market in Indonesia. In addition to existing operators Asia Cargo Airlines, My Indo Airlines, RGA-Black Stone Airlines, and Rimbun Air, two other new entrants are also well advanced in their start-up plans, with both Raindo United Services and BBN Airlines Indonesia intend to commence cargo flights later this year.