DCA revokes Rayani Air's Air Operator Certificate

The Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCA) today said it has decided to revoke Rayani Air's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) after a full investigation into the administration and safety audit of the airline’s state of operations.

In a statement, DCA director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said the airline has been given an opportunity to make a representation during an inquiry on May 12.

"Pursuant to Regulation 193 of the Civil Aviation Regulation 2016, Rayani Air's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) number 54 is hereby revoked after a thorough deliberation on Rayani Air’s response towards the inquiry," he said in the statement.

He said the the country’s first syariah-compliant airline must return the AOC to the DCA within 14 days from the date of notice of revocation.

"The DCA and the Ministry of Transport is working closely with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in this matter as safety and security of the aviation industry is of paramount importance," he added.

On Apr 11, DCA suspended the operations of Rayani Air for three months after the company which began operations in December announced suspending its flight operations without the approval of DCA on April 8.

READ: Rayani Air founder appears before an inquiry at DCA

READ: Rayani Air staff threaten legal action over salary arrears

On April 10, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the DCA would issue a provisional suspension notice to Rayani Air for suspending operations.

Liow said no airline is allowed to suspend its operations without referring to the authorities.

Rayani Air was established on January 19, 2015 and to date boasts more than 300 employees.