Ascend Airways Malaysia, a start-up Malaysia-based airline that forms a part of ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) provider Avia Solutions Group, has announced progress made on Phase 3 of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application process and that it is targeting the launch of initial cargo operations in November this year.
The Kuala Lumpur-headquartered airline will initially offer ACMI and charter cargo services, with the provision of passenger flights to follow.
In 2024, Ascend Airways Malaysia was granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and has since been working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to obtain its AOC.
The airline’s first Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft is due to arrive in Malaysia in the third quarter of this year. The second and third aircraft, in this case passenger B737-800 aircraft, will be added to the fleet by the end of 2025 and early 2026, respectively.
Germal Singh Khera, chief executive of Ascend Airways Malaysia, remarked: “As it is our mission to support the growth of local and regional airlines, we want to become a trusted ACMI partner that can help them increase operational agility and capture the rising demand for passenger and cargo operations, which is on the rise in the Asia Pacific region.
Ascend Airways Malaysia will offer aircraft wet leases in Malaysia and further afield in the Asia Pacific region, enabling airlines and logistics companies to scale their operations and secure additional revenue during peak season.
This model also allows air operators to navigate operational challenges such as unexpected flight disruptions and prolonged maintenance events, the start-up noted.
Alastair Willson, chief executive of UK-based Ascend Airways, sister company of Ascend Airways Malaysia, observed: “Ascend Airways remains focused and committed to deliver flexible ACMI solutions and develop its seasonal fleet strategy between the UK and Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region.
“ACMI is a proven solution for airlines seeking to efficiently meet dynamic travel demand and unlock new revenue opportunities.
“We are resolute in our aspirations to be leaders in this space.”
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.
