Ascend Airways Malaysia takes off as Southeast Asia’s newest freighter operator

Kuala Lumpur-based Ascend Airways Malaysia has officially received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), paving the way for the launch of its operations next month. Backed by Avia Solutions Group, the airline is set to become a new player in Southeast Asia’s fast-expanding air cargo and aviation market.

The carrier will begin with freighter operations, deploying a Boeing 737-800SF as its first aircraft. Passenger services are expected to follow in the first quarter of 2026, pending further regulatory approvals, as the airline continues to build its fleet. Once fully operational, Ascend Airways Malaysia plans to offer a mix of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter services, catering to both cargo and passenger markets across Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

With the addition of Ascend Airways Malaysia, Avia Solutions Group now operates 11 airlines globally under separate AOCs, spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including its UK-based sister carrier, Ascend Airways UK.

To further boost efficiency, the Malaysian unit plans to rotate aircraft seasonally between Malaysia and the UK, aligning with counter-seasonal demand cycles across markets.

The airline’s launch comes amid a regional air cargo boom driven by the China+1 manufacturing strategy, as global supply chains increasingly diversify beyond China. This shift—accelerated by ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China—has positioned Southeast Asia as one of the world’s fastest-growing air freight markets.

With a clear focus on flexibility, regional connectivity, and market-driven fleet deployment, Ascend Airways Malaysia is positioning itself to tap into the momentum reshaping Southeast Asia’s aviation and logistics landscape.