Air TransportAscend Airways Malaysia Receives AOC and ASP, Sets November Launch
Ascend Airways Malaysia has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and will commence operations in November. The carrier, based in Malaysia, is part of Avia Solutions Group and will initially operate a Boeing 737-800SF in ACMI basis.
The airline’s entry follows collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia after receiving a Conditional Air Service Permit earlier in 2024. The approvals enable the operator to enter the Malaysian market and provide flexible ACMI solutions.
Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, stated that Malaysia occupies a strategic position as a logistics and aviation hub linking Southeast Asia, China, and India. This regional connectivity is a core element of the carrier’s operational strategy.
Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, said the issuance of the AOC and ASP demonstrates compliance with Malaysia’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements. The authority has emphasized the thorough assessment process for new entrants.
Ascend Airways Malaysia plans to start passenger services in the first quarter of 2026, pending further regulatory approvals. The company expects to benefit from projected passenger traffic growth in Malaysia of between 8.4% and 15.6% in 2025.
Avia Solutions Group operates globally, holding 11 AOCs and managing a fleet of 187 aircraft. The group’s expansion in Malaysia aligns with broader trends of ACMI growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
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