Ascend Airways Adds Fifth Aircraft and Secures Canadian Certification as Fleet Growth Accelerates

Ascend Airways Adds Fifth Aircraft and Secures Canadian Certification as Fleet Growth Accelerates

(IN BRIEF) Ascend Airways has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a fifth aircraft—a Boeing 737-8 MAX—registered as G-ULIT and immediately placed on a long-term wet lease. The UK-based ACMI and charter airline, part of Avia Solutions Group, has also secured its Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC), enabling new operations in Canada just ahead of the winter travel season. With a focus on fuel efficiency and low environmental impact, the MAX 8 aligns with the airline’s strategic goals. Ascend Airways, which began 2025 with just two aircraft, is on track to operate eight by year-end and is in the final stages of obtaining FAA Part 129 and IOSA certifications to support its ongoing international expansion.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 9-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Ascend Airways, a UK-based ACMI and charter airline under Avia Solutions Group, has taken a significant step forward in its fleet growth strategy with the delivery of its fifth aircraft—a Boeing 737-8 MAX. Registered as G-ULIT, the new aircraft received its Certificate of Airworthiness on June 3, 2025, and is already scheduled for immediate deployment on a long-term wet lease contract. This latest addition marks the airline’s fourth Boeing 737-8 MAX, reinforcing its commitment to operating a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.

This milestone also coincides with Ascend Airways securing its Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC), enabling it to launch ACMI operations in Canada just ahead of the peak IATA Winter travel season. The approval opens new opportunities for the airline in the North American market, where demand for flexible, on-demand capacity continues to rise.

Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways, expressed appreciation for the company’s achievements, stating, “I want to thank the entire Ascend Airways team for their relentless effort in scaling our fleet by three aircraft in just two months. With the addition of these new-generation jets, we are well-positioned to support growing ACMI needs both in the UK and internationally.”

Since the beginning of 2025, Ascend Airways has more than doubled its fleet size—from two to five aircraft—and expects to reach eight aircraft by year-end as further 737-8 MAX units are delivered. The airline’s rapid growth reflects the rising demand for dependable ACMI services and its strong positioning within Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX plays a key role in Ascend Airways’ commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Compared to previous-generation aircraft, the MAX 8 reduces CO₂ emissions by 20% and cuts noise levels by 40%, providing clients with a more environmentally responsible solution for increasing capacity.

In addition to the Canadian FAOC, Ascend Airways is close to securing its FAA Part 129 approval, which would allow it to launch ACMI and charter flights to the United States. The airline is also in the process of completing its IOSA certification, further underlining its ambition to expand globally while adhering to the highest safety and operational standards.

Media Contact:

Silvija Sileike
Tel: +37067122697
email: silvija.sileike@aviasg.com

SOURCE: Avia Solutions Group