Faulty aircraft, unpaid salaries ground M’sia’s first shariah-compliant airline

PETALING JAYA — Claims of faulty airframes and unpaid salaries were among the reasons that apparently led to Rayani Air suspending its operations on Saturday (April 9), according to insiders.

“The pilots had raised concerns with the windows and hydraulic systems since late January. They were concerned some of these issues could potentially lead to accidents,” a source said.

He said there were numerous technical issues, one being a broken cockpit window that happened on Feb 9.

“These issues were the so-called ‘technical problems’ often cited by the company over delays and cancellations in flights since February.”

The airline operates two Boeing 737-400. The first model was launched in 1988 with a total of 486 being produced when the line was discontinued in 2000. It is able to carry 144 passengers in business and economy class.

Malaysia Airlines operated 46 units of the aircraft between 1989 and 2014, after which they were phased out in favour of the 737-800. AirAsia operated several before replacing them with the Airbus A320-200.

However, the aircraft has been in several notable incidents resulting in a loss of 50 airframes from the 737 series due to rudder and fuel tank issues.

Rayani Air founder Ravi Alagendrran had told Malay Mail several department heads had conspired to shut the airlines down by inciting the pilots to strike.

Another source said the restructuring exercise would enable the company to weed out staff who had planned the downfall of the airline.

“The suspension and restructuring will be used to identify and get rid of these individuals.

“We do not know the motive behind their actions but this is an opportunity to clean the company up,” he said.

Rayani Air, could face sanctions for suspending operations without permission from the Transport Ministry.

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has also initiated an investigation into the company.

Rayani Air stopped flying — after only 110 days in service — leaving passengers with disrupted travel plans and clueless over pre-booked tickets.

It is now among the short-lived airlines in the world. In 1958, New Zealand’s Coastal Airways Ltd survived 27 days. Canada’s Roots Air flights were suspended barely a month after the service began.

Another Canadian airline, Greyhound Air, started operations in 1996 only to stop flying14 months later.

Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said airlines are only allowed to suspend or cease operations after obtaining the green light from the ministry or the DCA.

“The airline must notify the government before suspending or ceasing operations. It cannot be done on their own volition.”

Mr Aziz said this was the first time the ministry had faced such an issue and that action would be taken against the company.

“We have issued warnings to the airline following previous feedback from the public who complained of service disruptions.”

He declined to comment on the unpaid salaries, saying it was an “internal matter”.

On allegations relating to the aircraft airframes, he said: “For any airline to operate, their aircraft will be evaluated and must be in good condition.”

“If there is any truth to the allegations, the ministry will take the necessary action. We will also look into the airline’s maintenance regime, among others.” THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE