Malaysia's First Halal Airline Prepares To Take Flight Again
Rayani Air is all set to reapply for new flight licenses in September.
By Samantha Khor — 24 Aug 2016, 10:46 AM
Looks like it's not end of the line yet for Rayani Air. Owner and CEO Ravi Alegandrran claims to have resolved the suspended airline's financial woes and expects to reapply for a new flight license as early as next month
The shariah-compliant airline halted operations earlier this year on 8 April - barely four months since making its maiden flight - following a series of problems that culminated in a company-wide pilot strike. Its air service license (ASL) and air operator certificate (AOC) were subsequently revoked by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) respectively on 13 June.
Ravi revealed that he has secured a financial backer and is in the midst of negotiations with said party, saying that its completion will resolve all issues plaguing the shariah-compliant airline
He expects to be able to submit its application for both the ASL and AOC as soon as the negotiation process is completed by September. Ravi added that the completion of the negotiation will resolve all issues involving the airline, including the unpaid refunds to customers.
He also thanked Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi for giving Rayani Air a second chance
Aziz had reportedly offered a lifeline to the airline on 8 August when he said that it should submit new applications to DCA and Mavcom if it wanted to resume operations.