Ascend Airways Malaysia secures AOC, to launch ops in November

Ascend Airways Malaysia, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP). The airline is set to commence operations in November.

The airline received its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) earlier in 2024 and has since worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to secure its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). With the certification now in place, Ascend Airways Malaysia is set to launch operations using its first aircraft, a Boeing 737-800SF.

The Kuala Lumpur-based ACMI and charter airline will be offering both cargo and passenger operations in Malaysia and across the broader Southeast Asia region. Subject to additional regulatory approvals, passenger flights are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026, alongside the further expansion of Ascend Airways Malaysia’s fleet.

According to Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, the airline will provide flexible ACMI solutions to support Malaysia’s aviation expansion.

“Malaysia is in an essential strategic position as a logistics and aviation hub that connects Southeast Asia, China, and India. 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,” he says.

Khera also expressed his hope that ACMI will soon become a vital part of the Asia-Pacific logistics ecosystem, as this model enables airlines to optimise their revenue during peak season as well as scale their operations more efficiently and successfully navigate operational challenges.

Avia Solutions Group operates the ACMI model worldwide through 11 Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This global presence enables the group to track seasonal demand and deploy its fleet of 187 aircraft to high-demand markets. By using the wet lease (ACMI) approach, airlines can boost capacity without long-term commitments, enhancing operational flexibility and potentially increasing profitability by 2–3% with an effective strategy.

“We have a talented, dedicated, and hardworking team that is more than capable of delivering services that will unlock new revenue opportunities for our partners in the region. We aspire to be the leaders in the ACMI space in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to making it the next powerhouse of the global economy,” says Khera.

Meanwhile, Dato' Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, the CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) complimented the preparedness level of Ascend Airways Malaysia, which ensured a smooth licencing process. “The issuance of Ascend Airways Malaysia’s AOC and ASP reflects the airline’s fulfilment of a thorough and stringent evaluation process in accordance with Malaysia’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements. We commend the airline for its diligence throughout the certification process and look forward to its continued compliance as part of our shared commitment to a safe, secure, and resilient aviation industry.”