ASL Airlines Australia (PH, Sydney Bankstown), formerly known as Pionair Australia, has taken delivery of its first B737-800(BCF). VH-CYK (msn 34797) was entered into the Australian aircraft register on February 21, 2024, by Pionair Australia Pty Ltd. The carrier officially rolled out the aircraft last week, saying it was in the final stages of preparing it for revenue operations.
"This is the first B737-800(BCF) in the ASL Australia fleet, and the airline expects to grow the fleet, adding aircraft over time to meet customer requirements,” a company statement said. "The freighter is set to offer cost-efficient new opportunities to air cargo customers in the Australian domestic and international markets, with its capability to move both express parcels and larger cargo speedily with a range up to 3,750 kilometres. ASL Australia is already in discussion with customers and expects to operate its first commercial revenue flights soon."
ASL Aviation Group acquired Pionair last year, rebranding it to ASL Australia. With the addition of VH-CYK, ASL Airlines Australia now has fourteen aircraft on the Australian register, including four BAe 146-200s, three BAe 146-200(QC)s, three BAe 146-300s, three BAe 146-200(QT)s, and one E190-E2, although more than half are inactive and at least one is designated for scrapping.
ADS-B data shows VH-CYK undertaking multiple flights throughout April. However, ch-aviation understands these were proving flights flown under the supervision of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority. ASL Australia's core business is operating night flights for Qantas Freight, mostly around the Adelaide International-Cairns-Sydney triangle.
