iscover
Nauru Airlines has unveiled Australia and the Pacific’s first 737-800F freighter in Brisbane this month.
The 21-year-old aircraft, VH-8TG, was last used by Indonesian carrier Sriwijaya Air before its freighter conversion, with other past operators including Garuda Indonesia and Ryanair. It can carry over 23.9 tonnes of cargo.
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazinesDespite being headquartered at Nauru International Airport, Nauru Airlines’ operations have been based at Brisbane Airport for the past 20 years, and the carrier is registered with CASA and operates to Australia’s aviation standards.
“The 737-800F expands the operational capabilities of our service, adding to our two existing B737-300 freighter aircraft and our growing fleet of passenger aircraft, making sure we can service the needs of Nauru and the central Pacific, as well as our valued clients in Australia and across the broader region,” said Dr Kieren Keke, the Chairman of the Board of Nauru Airlines.
“The expanding fleet marks Nauru’s trajectory for growth in aviation, introducing new commercial opportunities as a way to sustain ourselves as well as the Pacific Islands around us, through the extended capacity to provide important food products, supplies, medicine, and more to the communities we serve.”
The aircraft (serial number 33003) was built in 2002, and originally operated by defunct UK-based low-cost airline XL Airways. It was converted to a freighter last year after Sriwijaya retired it in 2019.
