Air carrier owned by Indian couple shuts

Kuala Lumpur, June 13

Malaysia’s Rayani Air, the country’s first Sharia-compliant airline owned by an ethnic Indian Hindu couple, was shut down today, months after it was suspended for failing to adhere to aviation rules.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) revoked Rayani Air’s Air Service Licence (ASL) after finding Rayani Air had breached the conditions of its licence.

It said the airline also lacked the financial and management capacity to continue operating as a commercial airline. “As a consequence, Rayani Air can no longer operate as a commercial airline with effect from today,” it said.

The airline was founded by Ravi Alagendrran and his wife Karthiyani Govindan and started operations in December. They used parts of their first names for the airline’s name.

On May 25, MAVCOM had issued a show-cause letter to Rayani Air after it had completed its evaluation of the airlines commercial standing and capabilities to determine whether it could continue as an ASL holder. Rayani Air submitted its representation in writing to MAVCOM.

“After reviewing the representation, MAVCOM has decided to revoke the ASL as the representations made by Rayani Air are not satisfactory,” it said. —  PTI