UK-based startup ACMI carrier Ascend Airways has received its second aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, and having already taken delivery of its first aircraft earlier in 2024, is now finalizing its plans to begin services during the IATA summer scheduling season of 2024.
The carrier is one of the latest additions to Avia Solutions Group’s (ASG) expanding portfolio of ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) specialist airlines, joining other recent joiners such as Skytrans in Australia and BBN Airlines Thailand. Ascend Airways is due to operate its pair of Boeing 737s from bases being established at London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) and London-Southend Airport (SEN).
The carrier’s second aircraft, registered G-WEAH, joined the Ascend fleet in March 2024 and is being prepared for entry into service with the carrier. The aircraft is two years old, having previously been operated by Corendon Airlines (Turkey) as TC-MKF. According to ch-aviation, the aircraft had its first flight in March 2022 and was delivered to Corendon in June of that same year.
The carrier’s first aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 registered G-HODL, was delivered in January 2024 and was previously operated by fellow ASG carrier KlasJet, for which it operated as LY-BUS. The aircraft has been visiting various airfields around the UK in recent weeks carrying out crew training flights in advance of the start of revenue services.
Although ASG is a Dublin-based company with a range of aviation businesses located worldwide, Ascend Airways is keen to promote its British provenance. Each of its two aircraft will feature the British Civil Air Ensign alongside their registrations along the upper rear fuselage. The British Civil Air Ensign is the flag that was historically flown at civil aviation establishments throughout the United Kingdom and was originally displayed on all UK-registered civil aircraft.
An important foundation of both British aviation and Ascend Airways, the Civil Air Ensign was initially instituted in 1931. The ensign’s field is light blue and comprises a dark blue Saint George’s cross with white fringes. In the top left corner or canton of the symbol is the Union Flag.
Hoisted in London for the first time by the renowned female British aviator, Mrs. Honourble Mary Victor- Bruce, the symbol “represents Great Britain’s passion and professionalism for aviation”, according to an Ascend Airways statement.