Bahrain-based Texel Air (XLR) has announced setting up a sister airline based in New Zealand, almost 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) away. Texel Air is a cargo airline founded in 2013, with its first scheduled operations commencing in 2014. Currently operating from its central hub at Bahrain International Airport (BAH), the Middle Eastern branch's fleet consists of one Boeing 737-300F, two Boeing 737-800BCF, and two Boeing 737-700FC Flexi Combi.

In November last year, Texel Air signed an MOU with Sparks, Nevada Based Sierra Nevada Corporation, in aid of a strategic alliance to secure financing for future aircraft and expansion of operations. Perhaps New Zealand is the airline's first stage of global expansion. Its New Zealand operations are set to include Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and it is currently looking for experienced pilots and mechanics to join its Auckland-based team.

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Texel Air 737 loading
Photo: Texel Air

New Zealand operations

While the information for its New Zealand venture is not fully clear, the airline's new LinkedIn page states: ''Founded in 2023, Texel Air NZ is a brand-new cargo airline operating B737-800 aircraft between Australia and New Zealand, providing ACMI and Charter services to its clients utilizing a world-class fleet of newly converted aircraft.'' Simple Flying reached out to Texel Air, with director George Chisholm stating:

''We are planning to have our AOC live by May 2023, and currently, on schedule, we are aiming for a total fleet of 10 B737-800Fs by 2026.''

As advertised on the Texel Air New Zealand website, the new airline is currently recruiting as below:

Pilots:

  • B737NG type rated current First Officers and Captains.
  • Captain: Minimum 5000 total hours, 1000 as PIC on the type.
  • First Officer: Minimum 2000 total hours, 1000 on the type.

Engineers:

  • B1/ B2 engineers must hold 737NG approval
  • Minimum five years experience on type with three years certifying on type B737CL/NG.
  • Minimum two years recency working in a line maintenance type environment on B737
Texel Air Passenger
Photo: Texel Air

Aviation Consultancy and Asset Management

With knowledge in aviation operations, logistics, and project management, Texel Air's parent company Chisholm Enterprises leads aviation consultancy and asset management as part of its offering. Maintaining solutions focussed aviation and logistics operations based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with experience dating back to 2006.

Texel Air Bahrain outside
Photo: Gchisholm86 via Wikimedia Commons

First Boeing 737-800BCF was delivered last year.

As noted previously on Simple Flying, Texel Air received its first Boeing 737-800BCF last year in the rising demand for versatile aircraft for both cargo and passenger. The company was the first Middle Eastern carrier to deploy the model as it aimed to ramp up services amid the continued boost in global cargo activity. Last year, the airline continued to see strong demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions, especially from those with an increasing presence in express and e-commerce industries.

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, a lot can be slid in with a cargo door that's 3.58m x 2.18m or 141 x 86 inches.

Altogether, the 737-800BCF is 20% more fuel-efficient than the 737 Classic freighters. It is also supported by Boeing, like a new aircraft, giving airlines such as Texel the flexibility and backing needed to meet demand in this next chapter.

Sources: Texel Air, Chisholm Enterprises