Latest news with #AlastairWillson
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Ascend Airways adds 5th aircraft to growing fleet, secures Canadian AOC
Ascend Airways adds fifth Boeing 737-8 MAX, gains Canadian FAOC, and accelerates expansion to meet rising demand for fuel-efficient ACMI services. Ascend Airways, UK-based ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter airline, has taken delivery of its 5th aircraft – Boeing 737-8 MAX. Part of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI provider, the airline has also secured its Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC), marking another significant milestone in its rapid expansion. The aircraft, registered as G-ULIT, received its Certificate of Airworthiness on June 3, 2025 and will be immediately deployed onto a long-term wet lease contract. This addition represents the fourth Boeing 737-8 MAX in Ascend Airways' fleet. 'I want to thank the entire team at Ascend Airways for their hard work and dedication in adding three aircraft over the past two months,' says Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways. 'Our growing fleet positions us perfectly to meet the growing demand for reliable ACMI services in the UK and other markets with the newest generation of aircraft.' This has been a year of significant growth for the company, which started 2025 with just two aircraft and now operates five. The airline plans to add further Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft over the coming months, with the goal of operating a total of eight aircraft by year-end. The Boeing 737-8 MAX aligns with Ascend Airways' strategy of offering the latest technology and most fuel-efficient aircraft to customers. The MAX 8 reduces CO2 emissions by 20% and has a 40% lower noise footprint compared to previous-generation aircraft, enabling customers to reduce their environmental impact when adding capacity. In addition to fleet expansion, Ascend Airways has received its Canadian FAOC, which allows the airline to commence ACMI operations in Canada. The approval comes in time for the peak season of travel in Canada during the IATA Winter season of which Ascend Airways currently has availability on B737-8 MAX aircraft. Ascend Airways is also in the final stages of gaining it's FAA 129 approvals which will allow the Airline to operate ACMI and Charter flights to the US and also in the process of gaining it's IOSA approvals.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ascend Airways Malaysia advances AOC process
KUALA LUMPUR: Ascend Airways Malaysia, a new Malaysia-based airline and part of Avia Solutions Group, has progressed to phase three of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application process and is targeting the launch of cargo operations in November 2025. In 2024, Ascend Airways Malaysia secured a Conditional Air Service Permit from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and began the process of obtaining an AOC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). In a statement today, the Kuala Lumpur-based aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) and charter airline said it will offer both passenger and cargo services. 'The airline's first Boeing 737-800 freighter is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia in the third quarter of 2025 to support the final stages of the AOC process and the launch of cargo operations. 'Two passenger-configured Boeing 737-800 aircraft will follow, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025 and early 2026,' it said. Ascend Airways Malaysia chief executive officer Germal Singh Khera said the airline aims to become a trusted ACMI partner, helping carriers enhance operational agility and meet growing demand for passenger and cargo services across the Asia-Pacific region. 'As a new ACMI airline in Malaysia, we are continually grateful for the support, global outlook, and proactive approach extended by the Ministry of Transport, CAAM, MAVCOM, and other relevant authorities advancing the aviation industry in Malaysia. 'This overwhelming support has enabled us to establish a solid operational foundation to assist air operators and their ambitions in the region,' he said. Meanwhile, Ascend Airways United Kingdom chief executive officer Alastair Willson said the Malaysian entity will form part of the group's broader seasonal fleet strategy. 'ACMI is a proven solution for airlines seeking to efficiently meet dynamic travel demand and unlock new revenue opportunities. We remain resolute in our aspirations to be leaders in this space,' he said. Avia Solutions Group already holds an AOC in Indonesia and is seeking regulatory approval for additional AOCs in Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia by the end of 2026.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ascend Airways Malaysia advances AOC process, eyes November 2025 cargo launch
KUALA LUMPUR: Ascend Airways Malaysia, a new Malaysia-based airline and part of Avia Solutions Group, has progressed to phase three of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application process and is targeting the launch of cargo operations in November 2025. In 2024, Ascend Airways Malaysia secured a Conditional Air Service Permit from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and began the process of obtaining an AOC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). In a statement today, the Kuala Lumpur-based aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) and charter airline said it will offer both passenger and cargo services. 'The airline's first Boeing 737-800 freighter is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia in the third quarter of 2025 to support the final stages of the AOC process and the launch of cargo operations. 'Two passenger-configured Boeing 737-800 aircraft will follow, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025 and early 2026,' it said. Ascend Airways Malaysia chief executive officer Germal Singh Khera said the airline aims to become a trusted ACMI partner, helping carriers enhance operational agility and meet growing demand for passenger and cargo services across the Asia-Pacific region. 'As a new ACMI airline in Malaysia, we are continually grateful for the support, global outlook, and proactive approach extended by the Ministry of Transport, CAAM, MAVCOM, and other relevant authorities advancing the aviation industry in Malaysia. 'This overwhelming support has enabled us to establish a solid operational foundation to assist air operators and their ambitions in the region,' he said. Meanwhile, Ascend Airways United Kingdom chief executive officer Alastair Willson said the Malaysian entity will form part of the group's broader seasonal fleet strategy. 'ACMI is a proven solution for airlines seeking to efficiently meet dynamic travel demand and unlock new revenue opportunities. We remain resolute in our aspirations to be leaders in this space,' he said. Avia Solutions Group already holds an AOC in Indonesia and is seeking regulatory approval for additional AOCs in Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia by the end of 2026.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Ascend Airways Malaysia now in Phase 3 of AOC application process
KUALA LUMPUR: Ascend Airways Malaysia, a new Malaysia-based airline, has advanced to Phase 3 of its air operator certificate (AOC) application process, it said in a statement issued today. The Kuala Lumpur-based ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) and charter airline will be offering both passenger and cargo operations. A part of Avia Solutions Group, the largest ACMI provider in the world, the airline is targeting to launch its first cargo operations in November 2025, with passenger flights to follow. Ascend Airways Malaysia was granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in 2024, and has since been working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The process is currently in its final stages, with full flight operations expected to commence by end-2025. 'Ascend Airways remains focused and committed to deliver flexible ACMI solutions and develop its seasonal fleet strategy between the UK and Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region," said Alastair Willson, CEO of the UK-based Ascend Airways, the sister company of Ascend Airways Malaysia.
