Ascend Airways Malaysia is readying itself for takeoff, reportedly bringing a different start-up approach to the country’s aviation market.

Malaysia’s aviation sector is set to welcome a new player as Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd prepares for takeoff, with plans to operate two Boeing B737-800s and four B737 MAX 8s by the end of 2025.

Unlike previous Malaysian start-ups that struggled against industry heavyweights Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, Ascend Airways is taking a different approach. The airline will focus on providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services for both passenger and cargo transport.

The airline is backed by UK-based Ascend Airways, which is part of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the world’s largest ACMI provider headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. ASG operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and manages 16 aviation-related businesses, covering ACMI services, cargo aviation, ground handling, aircraft leasing, maintenance and overhaul, and even an aviation-focused digital media platform, AeroTime.

“As part of the ASG family, we are committed to enhancing Malaysia’s aviation landscape by serving airlines, tour operators, charter brokers, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations with reliable ACMI services,” Ascend Airways stated on its official website.

REGULATORY APPROVAL AND PROGRESS

In November 2024, Ascend Airways achieved a key milestone by securing conditional approval for an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom). According to Mavcom’s website, the permit is valid from November 15, 2024, to November 14, 2025. The ASP is required for air transport providers offering unscheduled services, while an Air Service Licence (ASL) is needed for scheduled commercial airlines.

The airline is now in the process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), a crucial step before launching operations. CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud confirmed last week that the airline is undergoing the necessary approvals for its AOC, though no official timeline has been provided.

Once the AOC is granted, Ascend Airways must apply for a full ASP from Mavcom before officially commencing operations. Mavcom typically requires a minimum of 90 days to process an ASP application, with permits granted for up to 10 years.

At present, there are 13 ASP holders in Malaysia, with Ascend Airways among the two companies that have received conditional approval.

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE AND FUTURE EXPANSION

Ascend Airways is led by a team of experienced aviation professionals, with local industry veteran Germal Singh Khera serving as director and CEO. Khera brings over 30 years of experience, including time with Malaysia Airlines and a key role in establishing Mavcom in 2015.

His leadership team includes director of flight operations Captain Wan Harris, chief of pilot training and standards Captain Aminullah Mohamed, chief of pilot operations Captain Zahirudin Mohd Farok, head of ground operations Shamsul Idrus, head of commercial Linda Foo, head of continuing airworthiness management Helmy A Razak, and chief financial officer Augustinas Zemaitaitis.

International aviation reports indicate that ASG is expanding its presence in the ACMI market, with plans to launch four new airlines in Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. ASG has already begun operations in Thailand under its new carrier, Thai SmartLynx, which received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand late last year. The group is also in the process of securing an AOC for a new wet-lease airline in the Philippines.

With a strong global backing and a specialized ACMI model, Ascend Airways is clearly aiming to position itself as a key player in Malaysia’s aviation sector, catering to both passenger and cargo transportation needs while avoiding direct competition with established commercial carriers.