A UK airline operating flights from Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport has abruptly canceled all flights and ceased operations with immediate effect. Ascend Airways, a 'wet-lease' carrier that did not sell seats directly to passengers but operated behind the scenes, is officially giving up its UK Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), a mandatory document for any airline operating commercial flights in the UK. The company will also return its fleet of eight aircraft.
What is Wet-Leasing?
Wet leasing, also known as ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance), involves a short-term supplier providing fully-crewed planes to other airlines. Ascend Airways' clients included TUI, Oman Air, and Air Sierra Leone. Unlike conventional airlines with scheduled departures, wet lessors cater directly to airlines, not travelers. Passengers may not realize they are on a wet-leased aircraft until boarding, as these flights operate under the hiring airline's flight number and branding.
Reasons for Shutdown
According to insiders, a company-wide email attributed the closure to economic pressures, including the impact of the jet fuel crisis caused by the conflict in Iran. 'It’s to do with the economy, we couldn’t get contracts, the UK is a lot more expensive than Europe,' a source told The Sun. 'The fuel situation had a massive effect on it as well.' The Strait of Hormuz, effectively blocked by Iran since February, handles about 20% of the world's oil supply. Its closure has driven jet fuel costs from around $85–$90 per barrel to $150–$200, severely impacting airlines globally. While many airlines have cut routes and introduced surcharges, Ascend is the first UK carrier to cease operations due to the crisis.
The carrier reportedly waited until its final flight with Oman Air landed at Stansted Airport before informing colleagues. A lack of contracts, as airlines scale back operations amid the fuel crisis, also contributed to the company's difficulties. Aviation Business News reported that Ascend unsuccessfully bid on a license to operate across Scottish islands.
Company Background
Ascend Airways is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world's largest ACMI provider based in Dublin, which also includes Latvia-based SmartLynx and Lithuanian Avion Express. Despite being new, the group is a major player in the wet-leasing industry.
Metro has approached Ascend Airlines for comment.
