Set to “Take Off” by Late 2025
Malaysia is set to welcome a brand-new airline—Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Ascend Airways Malaysia)—which plans to officially commence operations by the end of 2025. The airline will introduce a fleet comprising two Boeing B737-800 and four B737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Unlike previous local airlines that struggled to survive due to intense competition, Ascend Airways Malaysia will focus on providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services, supporting both cargo and passenger markets rather than directly competing with Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia.
The airline will be backed by Ascend Airways, headquartered in the UK, which is itself part of the Avia Solutions Group (ASG)—one of the world’s largest ACMI service providers, based in Dublin, Ireland.
ASG operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft worldwide, offering services that include ACMI, cargo operations, ground handling, refueling and transportation, aircraft leasing and trading, as well as aircraft and helicopter maintenance (MRO). It also manages the aviation media platform AeroTime.
Approved by the Malaysian Aviation Commission
According to its official website, Ascend Airways Malaysia stated:
“As a member of the ASG Group, we are committed to enhancing Malaysia’s aviation sector by providing reliable ACMI services to airlines, travel agencies, charter brokers, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).”
The airline received its Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in November last year, valid from November 15, 2024, to November 14, 2025.
Currently, Ascend Airways Malaysia is in the process of applying for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
