Rayani Air to begin operations Sunday

Malaysia's first syariah-compliant airline, Rayani Air, will begin its operation this Sunday after receiving an air service licence and air operator certificate from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

The Langkawi-based airline will launch its homecoming flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (klia2) to Langkawi, followed by its first flight from Langkawi to KLIA2.

Rayani Air Managing Director, Jaafar Zamhari said for a start, the airline will provide domestic flight services in five locations - Langkawi, KLIA2, Kota Bharu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

He said Langkawi has been chosen as a hub for the airline because of its attraction as a destination for tourists.

Rayani Air has also imposed rules and regulations based on the syariah principles to its cabin crew.

"It is compulsory for our Muslim women cabin crew to wear hijab and for non-Muslim to wear a decent uniform.

"We also recite doa (prayers) before the departure of each flight, we have a 'no-alcohol' policy, and we provide food and beverages that are halal," said Jaafar at press conference on Friday.

Earlier in a ceremony, Rayani Air has been granted the Air Service License (ASL) and Air Operator's Certificate by the DCA Director-General Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, in Putrajaya on Friday.

Meanwhile, Jaafar also highlighted the fact that Rayani Air is not a low-cost carrier, nor a hybrid Airline.

"We are an airline that provides full service, just like Malaysia Airlines Berhad.

"We porvide 16 business class seats and 128 economy class seats," said Jaafar.

Rayani Air has now 355 employees which includes 8 pilots and 50 cabin brew

"All of our employees in Rayani Air are experienced workers, and have at least 5 year experience in the aviation industry," he said.

Rayani Air is currently using two Boeing 737-400 aircrafts, which was purchased from Neptune Air Limited.

It plans to add more aircrafts and expand its network in the Asia region by next year.

Jaafar also mentioned that the airline plans to introduce routes in the middle east and provide flights for the Umrah and Hajj.

The market response since its booking period from December 13 this year, has been encouraging with a 50 to 60 per cent booking load especially for the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays.