Kuala Lumpur — October 2025. Ascend Airways Malaysia, part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). The airline is set to begin operations in November 2025.
Following the granting of its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024, Ascend Airways Malaysia has worked closely with CAAM to complete the certification process. With regulatory approval now secured, the airline will launch operations with its first Boeing 737-800SF, offering both passenger and cargo services across Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asia region.
Passenger flights are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, pending further approvals, alongside plans to expand the fleet.
“Malaysia is in an essential strategic position as a logistics and aviation hub that connects Southeast Asia, China, and India,” said Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia. “We are very grateful for the support we received from the Ministry of Transport, CAAM, MAVCOM, and other local authorities. This cooperation is helping the aviation industry in Malaysia to develop and realise its full potential.”
Mr Khera added that the ACMI model will play a key role in the Asia-Pacific logistics ecosystem, allowing airlines to optimise revenue during peak seasons, scale operations efficiently, and navigate operational challenges.
Avia Solutions Group currently operates through 11 AOCs across Europe, Asia, and the Americas with a fleet of 187 aircraft, shifting capacity to match seasonal demand. The ACMI model allows airlines to expand operations without long-term commitments, improving flexibility and profitability by 2–3%.
CAAM CEO Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud commended the airline’s preparedness and professionalism throughout the certification process, noting that the issuance of the AOC and ASP reflects full compliance with Malaysia’s stringent safety and regulatory requirements.
About Ascend Airways Malaysia
Ascend Airways Malaysia is a Kuala Lumpur–based ACMI and charter airline offering passenger and cargo services. As part of Avia Solutions Group and the sister company to Ascend Airways UK, it is positioned to manage seasonal demand through cross-regional fleet deployment, supporting carriers across Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific with reliable, flexible capacity solutions.
About Avia Solutions Group
Avia Solutions Group operates a fleet of 187 aircraft and manages more than 250 subsidiaries across six continents. Its services include MRO, pilot and crew training, ground handling, and comprehensive aviation support delivered by 14,000 aviation professionals worldwide.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ASCEND AIRWAYS
