New Kuala Lumpur-based airline, Ascend Airways Malaysia, has advanced to the third phase of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application process.
The new aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance (ACMI) and charter solutions provider is targeting the launch of its first cargo operations in November of this year, with passenger flights to follow.
In 2024, the airline was granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM). Since then, it has been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to obtain its full AOC. The process is now in its final stages, with full flight operations expected to commence by the end of 2025.
Ascend’s first 737-800 freighter aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia in during the third quarter of the year, supporting the final steps for AOC issuance and the launch of cargo operations. The second and third 737-800 passenger aircraft to join the carrier’s fleet will arrive at the end of this year early 2026, respectively.
“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,” said Germal Singh Khera, chief executive officer of Ascend Airways Malaysia.
Ascend Airways Malaysia aims to provide a vital wet leasing solution in Malaysia and across Asia-Pacific, enabling airlines and logistics companies to scale their operations and secure additional revenue during peak seasons.