Bahrain-based cargo airline Texel Air launched its Australasia spinoff, on 10 June, at Auckland International Airport with the unveiling of the latest B737- 800BCF.

The arrival of ZK-TXE (registered MSN 29985) was presented at the NZ Post Facility last week and marks the expansion of the airline into the region, with now six aircraft in its fleet.

Apart from the new jet, Texel Air Bahrain operates Boeing 737 aircraft from Bahrain International Airport with two B737-700FC, two B737-800BCF and one B737-300F aircraft.

It has been operating the B737-300F (A9C–APC) in New Zealand since 3 April 2023 under contract to NZ Post/Parceline Express, with domestic operations supported by flight crew and engineers from Bahrain.

Texel Air, established in Bahrain in 2013 by Chisholm Enterprises WLL, said it plans to expand its fleet to 10 aircraft by 2026. The group is anticipating the arrival of two additional B737-800BCFs to its fleet later this year (December 2023). The airline plans to primarily fly in Australia and New Zealand and between the two countries, offering ACMI services for the express, post and general cargo markets.

“We are already very proud of our reputable and successful operation in Bahrain but to have the opportunity to replicate and launch an airline in my home country of New Zealand makes me even more proud,” said John Chisholm, Chairman for Texel Air.

“It is the culmination of my life’s work in the cargo and logistics industries in the Middle East.”