Overview
- Ascend Airways, which told staff on Monday, April 27, of an immediate shutdown according to several reports, is being wound down as the UK business closes.
- Ascend and parent Avia Solutions Group said Tuesday, April 28, that they will surrender the UK air operator’s certificate and return six Boeing 737 Max 8s to lessors.
- Multiple outlets report the company has entered liquidation with about 161 jobs at risk, while the owner describes the process as orderly and says April payroll was paid.
- The company cited a spike in jet fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions and the drawbacks of a UK license in Europe’s ACMI market, where UK carriers face higher costs and fewer wet-lease rights.
- Operations also struggled with early CFM LEAP‑1B engine reliability on the Max jets, and the airline’s failed March bid for IOSA safety certification limited new contract options as major carriers trim flying due to fuel costs.