Ascend Airways | B737 Captain

Captain, Boeing 737 (NG/MAX)

Location: London Gatwick (LGW), United Kingdom

About Ascend Airways:

Ascend Airways is a newly established UK airline, operating under a recently acquired UK Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Launching its first operational base at London Gatwick in early 2024, Ascend Airways will operate a modern fleet of Boeing 737 NG and MAX aircraft within the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) market. The company is built upon the reputable legacy of Synergy Aviation, a respected UK AOC holder, and is a strategic acquisition by Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI provider with an extensive fleet of over 180 airliners globally. Ascend Airways is committed to fostering an attractive working environment, including a continuous professional development programme, and offers the unique opportunity to join a well-funded project led by an expert senior management team at its inception.

The Role:

Ascend Airways is seeking highly skilled and motivated Captains to join its growing flight operations team. Reporting directly to the Director of Flight Operations, these pivotal roles offer successful candidates the chance to play a key part in the foundational stages of a dynamic new airline, with significant opportunities for career advancement as the company expands. Captains will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Boeing 737 NG and MAX aircraft in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements, upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and customer service.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications:

Ascend Airways seeks Captains who possess the following experience and attributes:

• Unrestricted right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
• Valid Class One medical certificate without restrictions (other than for spectacles/contact lenses).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating leadership and teamwork capabilities.
• Willingness to maintain a home address within 90 minutes travelling time of London Gatwick.

Specific Captain Requirements:

• Current or recently expired Boeing 737 type rating (expired by no more than two years).
• A minimum of 3,000 hours total flying time.
• A minimum of 500 hours in command of Boeing 737 aircraft.

Licensing Requirements:

A UK ATPL and medical certificate are preferred. Applications from EASA ATPL Captains are also welcomed. Successful EASA candidates must commit to converting their licence to a UK ATPL prior to their joining date, with Ascend Airways providing assistance throughout the licence conversion process.

Working Pattern:

The positions are based at London Gatwick. The flying pattern will involve night-stopping, with occasional longer periods away from base (up to two weeks) exclusively during the winter season. The operational rhythm anticipates busy summer months followed by quieter winter rosters, allowing pilots the flexibility to take additional time off during the winter season to suit their personal lifestyle.

Compensation and Benefits:

Ascend Airways offers a highly competitive compensation package, including:

For Full-Time Captains (Standard Roster):

• Salary: £120,000 per annum (Revised April 2024).
• Flight Pay: £13 per flight hour.
• Pension Contribution: 6% of salary.
• Loss of License Insurance.
• Paid parking at the London Gatwick base.
• Paid aviation medical examinations.
• Annual Leave: 42 days per year, including a minimum of 10 days off per month. A maximum of 8 days leave may be taken between 1st June and 15th September.
• Golden Days: Three guaranteed days off at base annually.
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a rapidly expanding airline group.

For Full-Time Captains (20/10 Commuting Roster):

• Commuting option offered within the European Union.
• Accommodation and per diem paid whilst on duty.
• Economy class flights paid for on the first and last day of duty.
• Annual Leave: 36 days per year, including a minimum of 10 days off per month.
• Golden Days: Two guaranteed days off annually.

Why Join Ascend Airways?

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of the exciting launch and growth of Ascend Airways, backed by the global strength of Avia Solutions Group. Captains will benefit from a supportive environment focused on continuous professional development and the chance to shape the future of a new and ambitious airline.