Specialist carrier suspends operations due to Middle East conflict

An airline that provided aircraft to other carriers is surrendering its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and returning its fleet of six Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft to lessors.

Ascend Airways said ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to a “sustained increase” in jet fuel prices.

“This volatility has created a challenging outlook for the upcoming summer season, with many carriers already reducing capacity,” a statement said.

The company added: “For Ascend Airways, these external pressures have compounded the structural challenges of operating a UK AOC within the European ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) market.

“A lack of reciprocal wet leasing rights for UK carriers, combined with a higher cost base, have made the UK certificate a more expensive and less agile option compared to EU AOCs.”

Ascend Airways started operating flights for Air Sierra Leone to re-establish an air link between Gatwick and the West African country a year ago and operated aircraft for Tui Airways.   

Ascend Airways is a subsidiary of Ireland-based ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group.

The carrier was acquired in 2023 by Avia, which operates a fleet of 221 aircraft on six continents.

Ascend Airways also cited “engine reliability issues” associated with early-production engine configurations as impacting performance, “resulting in increased maintenance requirements and reduced aircraft availability”.

The company added: “Ascend Airways has met all April payroll obligations in full ahead of the surrender of its AOC. All employees are receiving ongoing support regarding their rights and entitlements.

“The airline maintained full operational compliance throughout the winter season, meeting contractual obligations or, where necessary, exiting agreements in an orderly and agreed manner.

“By working closely with stakeholders, a managed wind-down of operations has been achieved to minimise disruption to customers, consumers and aircraft lessors.”