Rayani Air (Langkawi) founder Ravi Alagendrran has alluded to his airline resuming operations in the near future. In a post to social media, Alagendrran said the defunct Shariah-compliant carrier would be back "soon."
Up until its suspension of flights in April, the regional Malaysian operator had been plagued by a series of technical problems and crew strikes since its launch in late December 2015.
The suspension then warranted an investigation by both the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). In June, they then revoked Rayani Air's Air Services License (ASL) and Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) after management failed to adequately prove it had the financial means and know-how to take the airline forward.
However, despite Alagendrran's optimism that his airline's ASL and AOC will be reinstated, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi has said Rayani Air 2.0 will have to reapply for both sets of licences.
“However, the government, through the DCA and MAVCOM, cannot consider their request due to several reasons and has advised them to apply for a new license if they want to continue operations,” he told the Bernama news service.
In addition, given its recent poor track record, Rayani Air will also have to demonstrate it has adequate finances, as well as a new business plan, Kaprawi added.
"This is not a gimmick, I really want Rayani Air back in operation. I'm working with a focus on resolving financial matters," Alagendrran said in response. "It is still at the stage of negotiations with investors to strengthen the company's financial position through the injection of funds."
