ASL Airlines Ireland Retires Final 737 Classics

ASL Airlines Ireland has retired its final four Boeing 737 Classic freighters, moving the aircraft into storage across Europe.

Planespotters.net confirmed the move on 9 September 2025, marking the end of decades-long operations with the Boeing 737 Classic freighter family for the Ireland-based operator. The four aircraft were phased out and ferried to storage sites across Europe as ASL adjusts its cargo fleet mix.

The Boeing 737 Classic series has been a workhorse for many freighter operators, but rising fuel, maintenance and regulatory pressures have pushed carriers to seek newer, more efficient types. ASL’s decision reflects a wider industry trend toward lower-emission, lower-cost aircraft to meet commercial and environmental demands.

Why ASL Airlines Ireland retired the 737 Classics

Operational economics and sustainability goals are the likely drivers: older airframes require more maintenance and burn more fuel than modern conversions or newer narrowbodies. By moving the final four 737 Classics into storage, ASL is freeing up resources to invest in aircraft that offer better payload-range efficiency and lower emissions per tonne-kilometre.

ASL Airlines Ireland confirmed the phase-out of the final four Boeing 737 Classic freighters.
Planespotters.net reported the retirements on 9 September 2025.
The move aligns with a broader fleet modernization and environmental strategy.

What to watch next: tracking by spotters and industry databases will show whether these airframes return to service with other operators, are stored long-term, or are parted out. For ASL, the retirement signals a continued pivot toward more modern freighter solutions to meet customer needs and regulatory expectations.