Ascend Airways: The Next Big Name in Malaysia’s Aviation?

Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd, operators of Ascend Airways, plans to begin operations in Malaysia later this year. Unlike previous start-ups such as MYAirline that struggled against Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, Ascend Airways will focus on Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services for cargo and passenger transport.

Ascend Airways will begin operations with two Boeing B737-800s and four B737 MAX 8s by the end of 2025.

The airline is backed by UK-based Ascend Airways, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the world’s largest ACMI provider. ASG, headquartered in Dublin, operates over 200 aircraft and offers services in cargo aviation, ground handling, leasing, and maintenance.

In Nov 2024, Ascend Airways received conditional approval for an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), valid until November 2025. An ASP is required for unscheduled air services, while an Air Service Licence (ASL) is needed for scheduled airlines.

Ascend Airways is now applying for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). Once approved, it must obtain a full ASP before launching operations.

Leading the airline here in Malaysia is CEO Germal Singh Khera, a 30 years aviation veteran who played a key role in establishing Mavcom in 2015. Meanwhile his leadership team includes Captain Wan Harris, Director of Flight Operations, Captain Aminullah Mohamed, Chief of Pilot Training and Standards and other key figures in ground operations, commercial management, and financial oversight.

Currently, Malaysia has 13 ASP holders, with two companies, including Ascend Airways, holding conditional ASPs. ASP applications require at least 90 days to process, and permits can be issued for up to 10 years.

ASG is also expanding to other markets globally including Thailand where it recently launched Thai SmartLynx, which received approval from Thailand’s aviation authority in late 2024, and is in the process of securing an AOC for a Philippine carrier.

With strong backing and a specialized focus, Ascend Airways is set to carve a niche in Malaysia’s aviation industry by offering reliable ACMI services to airlines, tour operators, charter brokers, and government organisations.