A British airline that operated flights from Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport has gone into liquidation. Ascend Airways has abruptly canceled all flights and will surrender its UK Air Operator’s Certificate. The company, established in 2004 but rebranded as Ascend Airways only three years ago, specialized as a “wet-lease” carrier, providing fully-crewed aircraft to other airlines like Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone, and TUI Airways.

The decision to shut down was reportedly due to economic challenges, including the repercussions of the Iran conflict on the jet fuel crisis. Employees were informed of the closure through an email citing these financial strains. Sources revealed that Ascend Airways faced difficulties in securing contracts, especially in comparison to European markets, and the escalating fuel costs significantly impacted the company’s operations.

Staff were informed that the airline’s operations would cease following the arrival of their last flight with Oman Air at Stansted Airport. While the UK branch of Ascend Airways has ceased operations, the Malaysian arm remains unaffected and continues to meet its obligations and expansion plans. Ascend Airways Malaysia, which received its air operator’s certificate recently, aims to initiate passenger services in July after successfully operating cargo flights.

Ascend Airways in the UK, previously known as Synergy Aviation before the rebranding in 2023, operated a fleet consisting of one Boeing 737-800 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline’s Malaysian division, on the other hand, is progressing smoothly and is on track to launch passenger services in the near future.