# Ascend Airways began operations only two years ago.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-13 · Daily Express*

## Key points

- Ascend Airways has surrendered its UK Air Operators’ Certificate and ceased operations after only two years.
- A lack of reciprocal wet leasing rights made Ascend's UK AOC more costly than EU certificates.
- Reliability issues with CFM LEAP engines increased maintenance needs and reduced aircraft availability at Ascend.
- Ascend Airways failed to secure summer wet-lease contracts as EU airlines operate at 40% lower cost.
- Parent group ASG is consolidating operations following the collapses of both SmartLynx and Maltese subsidiaries.

**Companies:** Ascend Airways, Avia Solutions Group, SpiceJet, TUI, Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone
**Countries:** UK, India

[Read the full story on Daily Express](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2204887/uk-airline-liquidation-boeing-fleet-meeting-tomorrow)

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