Texel Air Welcomes New Boeing 737-800BCF as New Zealand Freighter Fleet Continues to Grow
Texel Air Australasia is continuing to expand its New Zealand cargo operations with the arrival of another Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), strengthening its ability to move freight across the country and throughout the wider region.
Named “Florence” and registered ZK-TXH, the aircraft is a significant addition to the airline's growing fleet. It is also a milestone for Boeing, becoming the 200th 737-800BCF delivered worldwide. The aircraft's arrival reflects the continued demand for dedicated freighter aircraft as e-commerce, express deliveries and time-sensitive cargo shipments become increasingly important to businesses across Australasia.
Florence has already had a long career before joining Texel Air. The Boeing 737-800 previously operated for Virgin Australia as VH-VUO, having originally entered service with Virgin Blue in 2008. It also spent time operating for Pacific Blue under the registration ZK-PBM before returning to Virgin Australia's fleet. After being retired from passenger service in 2025, the aircraft was converted into a dedicated freighter.
Texel Air’s new Boeing 737-800BCF, ZK-TXH ‘Florence’ at the company’s launch event of the aircraft | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
The Boeing 737-800BCF conversion involves removing the passenger cabin, strengthening the aircraft's floor structure and installing a large cargo door and specialised loading equipment. These modifications allow the aircraft to carry freight on its main deck as well as in its existing lower cargo holds.
Rather than retiring an ageing passenger aircraft outright, the conversion gives it a new role in the global logistics industry, extending its usefulness while providing airlines with additional cargo capacity.
Florence follows the arrival of another Boeing 737-800BCF, ZK-TXA “Karen”, which joined Texel Air's New Zealand operation in August. Together, the two aircraft represent a reported NZ$95 million investment and form part of the company's wider commitment to expanding its presence in the local airfreight market.
With Florence joining the operation, Texel Air Australasia now has three aircraft based in New Zealand and seven across its Australasian fleet. The wider Texel Air group also operates five aircraft based in Bahrain, supporting its international cargo activities.
The latest addition will initially operate charter services, giving the airline greater flexibility to respond to customer requirements and provide additional capacity when demand increases.
Texel Air founder and chairman John Chisholm said the investment reflects the company's commitment to New Zealand and its wider aviation industry.
The airline aims to support local employment, work with New Zealand businesses and keep more of the economic benefits of its operations within the country. An additional locally based freighter also gives the company more flexibility to respond to changing freight requirements, from urgent shipments to specialist charter operations.
The 737-800BCF has become a popular choice for cargo operators because it combines the range and payload capability of a modern narrow-body jet with the flexibility to operate into a wide variety of airports.
According to Texel Air's published aircraft specifications, the type can carry a payload of approximately 22.7 tonnes, with a total cargo volume of around 185 cubic metres and a published range of approximately 3,750 kilometres, depending on operating conditions and configuration.
The aircraft can accommodate different cargo-loading arrangements, including standard freight containers, pallets and specialised loads. This versatility makes it suitable for express parcels, e-commerce shipments, general freight and certain specialist transport requirements.
Boeing also states that the 737-800BCF can offer up to 20 per cent better fuel efficiency than previous-generation freighters, helping operators manage fuel costs while moving cargo more efficiently.
ZK-TXH is the 200th Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Frieghter (BCF) | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
For New Zealand, additional freighter capacity is about more than moving parcels between major cities. Air cargo plays an important role in connecting businesses, supporting exports and ensuring time-sensitive goods reach their destinations.
Dedicated freighters allow cargo operators to schedule flights around freight demand rather than relying entirely on the available space in passenger aircraft. They can also provide additional flexibility when demand increases during busy periods or when specialist charter requirements arise.
Texel Air Australasia has already established a presence in the New Zealand domestic freight market, including operations supporting major logistics customers. Its continued fleet expansion is intended to strengthen that capability while connecting local operations with the broader Australasian network.
Florence's arrival also represents an important moment for Boeing's converted-freighter programme. Reaching 200 deliveries demonstrates the popularity of the 737-800BCF among cargo operators seeking to expand their fleets without investing exclusively in newly manufactured freighter aircraft.
For Texel Air, the delivery combines that global milestone with a practical expansion of its New Zealand operation.
As freight demand continues to evolve, aircraft such as the 737-800BCF are expected to remain an important part of the regional cargo network, offering operators a balance of capacity, range and operating flexibility.
With Florence joining Karen and the rest of Texel Air Australasia's fleet, the company is positioning itself to take on more work and respond to the changing needs of New Zealand's freight industry.
For ZK-TXH, a former passenger aircraft that once carried travellers around Australia and the Pacific, a new chapter has begun this time, carrying cargo across the region.
