KUALA LUMPUR: Ascend Airways Malaysia, an aircraft charter company affiliated with Ascend Airways UK, is preparing to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company aims to provide local and regional airlines with aircraft and crew, offering flexible solutions to meet fluctuating demand.
Strategically headquartered at KLIA Terminal 1, Ascend Airways Malaysia will cater to airlines requiring additional capacity during peak travel periods. This initiative is designed to support carriers such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air Malaysia by providing short-term, on-demand aircraft leasing without long-term commitments.
“We can operate our aircraft anywhere based on our clients’ operational needs, including markets such as Bangladesh, India, and China,” a company representative stated. Notably, Ascend Airways Malaysia will not function as a commercial airline but will focus exclusively on aircraft leasing and charter services.
The airline has confirmed plans to operate Boeing narrowbody aircraft, although the exact fleet size remains undisclosed pending the issuance of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. It has, however, secured a conditional Air Service Permit from the Malaysian Aviation Commission, valid until November 14, 2025.
Ascend Airways initially announced in January its intention to launch Malaysian operations with a Boeing 737 Classic aircraft, with plans to expand its fleet to include Boeing 737-800NG models.
As an affiliate of Avia Solutions Group, an Ireland-based aviation services provider, Ascend Airways Malaysia will leverage the group’s global expertise. Avia Solutions Group currently supplies 221 aircraft worldwide through customized wet lease and air charter arrangements, reinforcing its capability to support airlines in managing capacity needs effectively.
