Ascend Airways Malaysia, an affiliate of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, was recently granted a Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM). Ascend Airways Malaysia aims to commence ACMI operations by late 2025 starting with a Boeing 737 Classic aircraft, and subsequently expanding its fleet to include Boeing 737-800NG. This will provide local and international airlines with the support needed to optimize capacity and increase revenue in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region.
The certification of Ascend Airways Malaysia is part of Ireland-based Avia Solutions Group’s strategy to increase aircraft utilization during seasonal changes in passenger demand, while increasing capacity in Asia simultaneously. The new airline will progress with the group’s proven approach to meet the highest standards for aviation safety and to ensure compliance with local regulations in order to earn its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). With 11 AOCs already in place alongside 250 subsidiaries globally, this is a key development in Avia Solutions Group’s expansion.
Ascend Airways Malaysia will be collaborating closely with their sister airline, Ascend Airways UK, navigating seasonality through the sharing of aircraft capacity. Ascend Airways UK currently has a fleet comprising of a Boeing 737 NG and a MAX 8 to complement Ascend Airways Malaysia’s 737 classic. Ascend Airways Malaysia plans to induct further B737-800s into their fleet for both passenger and cargo operations in the near future. The two airlines can transfer aircraft between their fleets based on seasonal demand, maximizing aircraft utilization and revenue at key times of the year in each region, providing a natural synergy. “This past April, air passenger traffic in Malaysia reached 7.9 million, a 19.5% increase from the previous year,” Alastair Willson, Ascend Airways UK CEO, said. “Being granted the CASP is a cause for celebration for both Ascend and scheduled airlines in Malaysia, as we are a step closer to delivering the capacity needed to sustain the country’s growth in air travel.”
According to Willson, Malaysia experiences peak travel season during the low season in Europe. The region’s counter-cyclical passenger demand creates an opportunity to use ACMI leasing to benefit airlines in both regions.
In addition to ACMI capacity, Ascend Airways Malaysia will provide both passenger and cargo charter operations — supporting airlines, tourism, cargo companies, and other entities across their market territory.
“We want to establish ourselves as a trusted and reliable partner in the region, known for our operational excellence and customer-first approach,” Willson said. “Our operations will contribute to the reliability and growth of the aviation industry, ensuring that we provide consistent services every time.” Ascend Airways Malaysia is set to contribute to the broader economic landscape in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific through its market entry, offering significant benefits.
Bringing global expertise and resources to Malaysia, the airline supports job creation, infrastructure investment, and the overall strengthening of the aviation sector. In return, Malaysia offers a supportive environment for foreign investors and partners, backed by a government committed to fostering growth and cultivating a thriving market for international businesses.
