Ascend Airways adds 5th aircraft to growing fleet, secures Canadian AOC

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 Ascend Airways, 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.