The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) is investigating Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd for operating without a valid air service permit (ASP).

In a statement today, MAVCOM also said it lodged a police report against Monspace Sky Airlines for misleading the public by marketing itself as an airline although it did not possess an air service licence (ASL) or ASP.

In the case of Suasa Airlines, MAVCOM said the company had applied to operate a commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi on July 22, but it was rejected.

"However, on the same day, Suasa Airlines continued to operate the flight as a 'demonstration flight' which was now being investigated by MAVCOM," it said.

It said without a valid ASP, Suasa Airlines could not perform a commercial air service operation.

"MAVCOM would also like to advice consumers to refrain from making any flight arrangements with Suasa Airlines and Monspace Sky Airlines to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience in their travels," it added.

Set up on March 1, 2016, MAVCOM is an independent body which regulates economic and commercial matters relating to civil aviation.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Department (DCA) Director-General Datuk Sri Azharuddin Abd Rahman clarified that Suasa received its provisional ASP on 15th December 2015.

“Following that, Suasa applied to DCA for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on 18th January 2016," he said in a statement.

“After a thorough audit and inspection on Suasa’s technical ability, the DCA issued the AOC on 22nd July 2016.

“Subsequently, Suasa will have to pursue with MAVCOM to have its full ASP which until this media statement is released has not been issued,” he said.

Therefore, Azharuddin said, Suasa Airlines shall not conduct any commercial air transport operations without both of the AOC and ASP approvals.

He said DCA has not issued any AOC neither to Monspace Airlines nor Monspace Sky Airlines.

“However, SUASA Airlines aircraft were marked with ‘Monspace SUASA Airlines’ and www.monskyways.com.

“In this regard, the DCA will issue an order which require SUASA Airlines to explain this matter,” he added.