Ascend Airways Malaysia has received its first aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 converted freighter, as it moves closer to launching operations.
The aircraft, registered 9M-ASC, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 4 September after a delivery flight from Bacau, Romania, with a stop in Mumbai.
The 20-year-old jet was previously operated by Slovak ACMI carrier AirExplore and remains owned by TC Aviation Capital Ireland, part of Tokyo Century.
The start-up airline, which plans to operate under an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) model, is now working to secure its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.
Proving the freighter’s airworthiness will be the next milestone in the certification process.
Ascend Airways Malaysia has previously said it intends to begin cargo flights in November 2025, with full operations targeted by the end of the year.