Ascend Airways Malaysia targets B737-800 cargo take-off in November
KUALA LUMPUR: Ascend Airways Malaysia is set to take off in November 2025 with its first cargo flights, followed by passenger services as part of its strategic expansion into the Asia-Pacific aviation market.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Germal Singh Khera said the airline will receive its first Boeing 737-800 freighter in Q3 2025, supporting its cargo launch. Two additional 737-800s, configured for passenger service,
"As it is our mission to support the growth of local and regional airlines, we want to become a trusted Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (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," Khera said in a statement today.
Ascend Airways Malaysia's entry into the local market was first reported by Business Times in March this year.
Ascend Airways Malaysia, a sister airline of UK-based Ascend Airways, is in the final stages of securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). It obtained a conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in November 2024.
"As a new ACMI airline in Malaysia, we are continuously grateful for the support, global outlook and proactive approach we receive from the Ministry of Transport, CAAM, Mavcom and other relevant authorities that are advancing the aviation industry in Malaysia," Khera said.
He added that Ascend Airways Malaysia's full flight operations are expected to start by the end of 2025.
Ascend Airways Malaysia will operate under a wet-lease model, providing ready-to-fly aircraft complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance to airlines and logistics providers. Its ACMI services allow air operators to scale their capacity during peak seasons or manage operational challenges such as unexpected flight disruptions and prolonged maintenance.
Ascend Airways UK CEO Alastair Wilson said Ascend Airways remains focused and committed to delivering flexible ACMI solutions and developing 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," he added.
Ascend Airways Malaysia is part of Dublin-based Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the world's largest ACMI provider, and plays a key role in the group's broader expansion strategy in Asia-Pacific.
The airline 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.
ASG has over 200 aircraft in its fleet spanning cargo aviation, ground handling, aircraft leasing, and repair and overhaul (MRO) for aircraft and helicopters.
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