Ascend Airways UK adds third aircraft to fleet with leased MAX 8
January 7, 2025
Avia Solutions Group subsidiary Ascend Airways UK has welcomed the third aircraft to its fleet, a leased Boeing 737 MAX 8, with plans to double its total fleet size by summer 2025.
Subleased in December 2024 from Avia Solutions Group’s subsidiary SmartLynx, the new addition “aligns perfectly with our strategy of offering the latest technology and most fuel-efficient aircraft to customers,” commented Ascend Airways UK CEO Alastair Willson. “The MAX 8 reduces CO2 emissions by 20% and has a 40% lower noise footprint compared to previous-generation aircraft. This enables our customers to reduce the environmental impact when capacity”.
The new aircraft is the second MAX 8 operated by Ascend Airways, complementing an additional 737-800. The charter airline also intends to further expand its fleet with three further aircraft in the first quarter of 2025, aiming to operate six aircraft in total by the summer; something instrumental to its projected expansion in southeast Asia through newly-established sister airline Ascend Airways Malaysia.
Although currently configured in an all-economy layout (featuring 189 seats), the MAX 8s will also be available in a two-cabin layout; representing Ascend Airways’ strategy to provide flexible options. “We will adjust our aircraft configurations seasonally, shifting to an all-economy configuration during summer to meet higher leisure demand,” confirmed Willson. During the winter period, 12 business class seats will be available to target markets in the Middle East and southeast Asia.
