GAM Group Expands Queensland Freight with Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighters

This article is based on an official press release from GAM Group, with additional industry context from recent reporting.

GAM Group, operating as GAM Air, has officially announced the renewal and expansion of its long-term contract with Australian logistics provider Team Global Express (TGE). According to a company press release, the agreement will support TGE’s growing freight network through enhanced regional lift capacity.

To meet the increasing demand for time-critical freight, GAM Air is introducing three Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighter aircraft into its Queensland operations. The move represents a significant investment in regional air logistics for the Australian market, ensuring faster and more consistent delivery of critical goods to areas outside major capital cities.

The milestone agreement builds upon a 40-year collaborative history between the two companies. In its official statement, GAM Group emphasized that the enduring partnership is rooted in shared values of safety, performance, and the consistent delivery of critical freight services.

Fleet Modernization with the 1900D Super Freighter

The introduction of the Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighter marks a major operational upgrade for GAM Air’s regional routes. According to industry data, the Super Freighter is a specialized cargo conversion of the 1900D passenger airliner, developed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by US-based Alpine Air Express.

Capacity and Performance Upgrades

The conversion process strips the traditional passenger interior to create a 900-cubic-foot cabin volume. Based on Alpine Air Express specifications, this provides a 40 percent capacity increase over the older 1900C freighter model, allowing for a useful payload of up to 7,439 pounds.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67D turboprop engines, the Super Freighter delivers a 23 percent range advantage, reaching up to 1,279 nautical miles, and a 7 percent speed increase to 280 knots compared to its predecessor. The aircraft is also equipped with a large rear cargo door and a Z-track cargo system, making it highly suitable for regional Australian logistics where short or unpaved runways are common.

“These aircraft are purpose-built for regional freight, delivering reliability, efficiency, and the flexibility required to meet increasing demand across the network.”
— GAM Group

Operational Ramp-Up and Industry Context

The deployment of these new assets is already underway. On April 17, 2026, industry publication Cargo Facts reported that GAM Air had officially acquired the three Beech 1900D Super Freighters directly from Alpine Air Express specifically to service the TGE contract.

Expanding the Queensland Network

To support the new fleet, GAM Air initiated a recruitment drive in mid-April 2026 for Brisbane-based Direct Entry Captains. According to the company’s job listings, these roles are designed to support upcoming night freight operations in a time-critical environment.

The partnership leverages the extensive networks of both organizations. GAM Group, founded in 1986, operates a fleet of over 30 twin-engine aircraft and has a long-standing reputation for executing priority freight services across Australia. Meanwhile, TGE operates Australia’s largest dedicated domestic airfreight network, utilizing over 40 aircraft to conduct more than 500 scheduled flights weekly.

AirPro News analysis

We view the expanded GAM Group and TGE partnership as a critical component of TGE’s broader aviation strategy. In mid-2024, TGE announced a $480 million partnership with Texel Air Australasia to integrate four Boeing 737-800BCFs (Boeing Converted Freighters) into its mainline fleet. While those larger narrowbody freighters handle heavy trunk routes, they require a robust feeder network to distribute goods to regional centers.

By deploying the high-capacity Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighters in Queensland, GAM Air provides the essential “last-mile” connectivity. This hub-and-spoke modernization ensures that the efficiency gains achieved on mainline routes are not lost during regional distribution, ultimately supporting the rapid growth of e-commerce and express delivery markets outside of Australia’s major hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is GAM Group introducing for the TGE contract?

GAM Group is introducing three Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighters into its Queensland operations to support the Team Global Express network.

What are the benefits of the Beechcraft 1900D Super Freighter?

Developed by Alpine Air Express, the Super Freighter offers a 40 percent capacity increase over the older 1900C model, a 900-cubic-foot cabin, and a payload capacity of up to 7,439 pounds. It also features improved speed and range.

How long have GAM Group and Team Global Express been working together?

According to GAM Group, the two companies have a trusted collaborative history spanning over 40 years.

Sources:

• GAM Group Official Press Release (LinkedIn)