Halal-only airline shut down

First Islamic-compliant airline Rayani Air shut down by Malaysia

June 14, 2016

Rayani Air, Malaysia’s first Islamic-compliant airline, has been shut down,
regulators said, months after it was suspended from flying for breaching
aviation regulations.

The carrier launched only in December with Muslim flight crew wearing the
hijab while non-Muslim members were forbidden from wearing revealing
clothing. In-flight meals were completely halal and alcohol consumption
banned.

But after an “investigation into the administration and safety audit" of the
airline, the Department of Aviation (DCA) said it has revoked Rayani’s Air
Operator Certificate.

The DCA launched an inquiry into the airline in April following a string of
criticisms from passengers and the government over delays and last-minute
cancellations.

That month saw pilots of the carrier, which operates two Boeing 737-400s,
also go on strike over unpaid wages, further damaging its image.

DCA director-general Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said the government took the
step to cease Rayani’s operation because “safety and security of the
aviation industry is of paramount importance".

The decision comes two years after Malaysia faced twin aviation disasters.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down in July 2014 over rebel-held
eastern Ukraine in a missile strike, killing all 298 people on board.

Australia is leading the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the
remote Indian Ocean, where the Beijing-bound plane is believed to have
diverted when it disappeared on March 8, 2014 carrying 239 passengers and
crew.

http://www.thenational.ae/business/a...wn-by-malaysia

Also:
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/201606...ort-passengers