Ascend Airways Malaysia (AU, Kuala Lumpur International) has secured approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to add passenger operations to its existing air operator's certificate (AOC), the ACMI specialist announced on social media.

The carrier added that it expects to have three B737-800s operating under ACMI arrangements by the end of 2026. At present, it operates one B737-800, 9M-ASG (msn 38175), alongside B737-800(SF) 9M-ASC (msn 33813).

Ascend Airways Malaysia was previously certified for cargo operations. As reported by ch-aviation, it secured its initial AOC and air service permit in late 2025 and began operations with a B737-800(SF), before pursuing additional approvals for passenger operations.

The carrier took delivery of its first passenger B737-800 in April 2026 and at the time planned to begin passenger operations in July, subject to regulatory approval.

Ascend Airways Malaysia has also been reported as the planned provider of wet-leased B737-800s to AirBorneo (MY, Kuching) should CAAM approve such an arrangement. The Indonesian start-up currently wet leases two B737s from Batik Air Malaysia, with plans for significant growth.