Avia Solutions Group subsidiary Ascend Airways Malaysia aims to begin operations in November, targeting cargo and passenger ACMI services in Asia
New airline Ascend Airways Malaysia has taken delivery of its first freighter as it prepares to start commercial operations in November.
Part of Avia Solutions Group, the Kuala Lumpur-headquartered airline was granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in 2024 and is currently in the process of applying for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
The airline's first freighter is a Boeing 737-800 passenger to freighter (P2F) registered as 9M-ASC. According to data from Planespotters, the aircraft is currently located at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).
"Our first freighter aircraft 9M-ASC, has been inducted and will soon commence proving flights as part of the airworthiness assessment by CAAM," said Ascend Airways Malaysia in a LinkedIn post on 29 September.
The airline said it is also preparing to receive its first passenger aircraft, a Boeing 737-800NG, in December. There are further plans to add a second 737-800 in 2026.
"By the first quarter of 2026, we will have two narrowbody aircraft commissioned and operating for our clients across both cargo and passenger operations."
The airline will support the growth of local and regional airlines by offering ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance), charter cargo and passenger services.
As well as supporting local airlines and businesses, Ascend Airways Malaysia said it would move capacity seasonally between Malaysia and its sister carrier in the UK, Ascend Airways, to meet counter-seasonal demand.
Avia Solutions already has an AOC in Indonesia and plans to add three more AOCs in the region by the end of 2026, with applications already initiated in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The group offers a wide range of aviation solutions as well as ACMI provision, including MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul services), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and other related aviation services.
