“It’s gone bust today, we got the news this afternoon. We’ve all been given the letters that it’s all going into liquidation,” a source close to Ascend Airways reported.
Ascend Airways has ceased all operations with immediate effect following its collapse into liquidation. The airline confirmed it will hand back its aircraft fleet and relinquish its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). It was established in 2004 but traded under the current name for only three years.
At the time of closure, Ascend operated a fleet that included one Boeing 737-800 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline primarily functioned as a ‘wet-lease’ provider, supplying aircraft to other airlines. Employees were informed that operations would wind down after the final Oman Air service from Muscat on April 30.
The closure was attributed to various economic challenges, including the impact of the Iranian conflict on jet fuel availability. Employees now face uncertainty regarding their salaries; many may not receive full payment for May.
Despite the UK operations ceasing, Ascend Airways Malaysia remains operationally stable. It continues to meet all contractual obligations and is progressing with its expansion plans.
The company previously operated under the name Synergy Aviation before adopting the name Ascend Airways in 2023. The exact reasons for the economic challenges leading to the liquidation have not been fully detailed.
