Ascend Airways, the UK’s newest airline, has operated its first ever commercial flight, officially launching operations, with the successful completion of a charter flown on behalf of fellow Avia Solutions Group company, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Limited. G-HODL, our freshly painted B737-800, departed from London Southend Airport on Friday 26th April.

Tony Carder, Commercial Director at Ascend Airways said “We are so pleased to have commenced commercial operations with our first ever charter, operated on behalf of Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. This is a landmark day for the company, the start of an exciting journey and we are ready for a busy summer with our damp lease operations commencing in May. Today’s achievement is something the entire team of dedicated professionals at Ascend Airways can be very proud of and is the fruition of a lot of hard work over the last 9 months. Everyone has played a huge part in making this a reality.”

Neil Smith from Chapman Freeborn Airchartering said “It was a great honour and privilege to work with Ascend Airways on their first ever charter flight. Our client was very impressed with the service from start to finish and thanks must go to Alastair Willson and the entire team, and especially the crew, at Ascend Airways for a job well done. It’s great to have another UK operator gracing our skies and we wish them all the best for the future.”