Ascend Airways (YD, London Gatwick) has obtained an upgraded Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority as it prepares to relaunch as a passenger ACMI/charter specialist with a B737-based fleet.
The British carrier, known as Synergy Aviation (Fairoaks) until last year's acquisition by Avia Solutions Group, was issued the new AOC on April 5. Its fleet currently comprises one B737-800 and one B737-8, both parked at Nottingham East Midlands for pre-launch maintenance and repainting. The airline has so far operated only proving flights with the -800, while the MAX 8 has not been active under its code just yet. Each aircraft is configured in a single-class layout for up to 189 passengers.
Ascend Airways retains its old 'SYG' code but changed its legal name to Ascend Airways in September 2023.
As Synergy Aviation, the carrier focused on the business charter niche, most recently operating one Cessna 525 and one Cirrus SF50, but it no longer has any business aircraft registered to it. Its previous Type B Operating Licence allowed it to operate aircraft with up to 20 seats only.
