Ascend Airways Malaysia, part of the global ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP), paving the way for the airline to begin operations this November. The Kuala Lumpur-based airline will initially operate with a Boeing 737-800SF, offering both passenger and cargo services across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The airline’s journey began with the granting of a Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024. Since then, Ascend Airways Malaysia has worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to secure its AOC. Passenger flights are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, subject to further regulatory approvals, alongside fleet expansion.
Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, highlighted the strategic importance of Malaysia as a logistics and aviation hub connecting Southeast Asia, China, and India. He expressed gratitude for the support from local authorities, stating, “This cooperation is helping the aviation industry in Malaysia to develop and realise its full potential.”
The airline aims to leverage the ACMI model to optimise revenue and scale operations efficiently. Avia Solutions Group, with a fleet of 187 aircraft, operates globally, allowing it to adapt to seasonal demand shifts. The group’s CEO noted, “We aspire to be the leaders in the ACMI space in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, praised Ascend Airways Malaysia for its diligence in meeting Malaysia’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements, ensuring a smooth licensing process.
