KUALA LUMPUR – The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has suspended the air operator certificate (AOC) of MYAirline, effective today, pursuant to Regulation 193 (3) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 for a period of 90 days pending further investigations by CAAM.
In a statement, today, CAAM CEO Datuk Norazman Mahmud said a safety audit was carried out on MYAirline from May 29 to June 1 for their AOC renewal and at that time, there were no findings that indicated a state of financial distress.
“CAAM carries out a detailed safety audit to assess the capability and competency of the air operator in the areas of commercial air transport, operations, and airworthiness.
“Elements of the financial indicator checklist as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Documents 8335 were included in the safety audit process.
“As part of the safety audit, AOC holders must also provide evidence indicating financial solvency to CAAM. This is to ensure the air operator has the financial resources to conduct its planned operations.
“Should a financial issue arise, a written notification to CAAM must be made immediately to ensure no compromise to the safety of operations,” he said, adding to date, MYAirline had not submitted such a notification to CAAM.
The sudden suspension of MYAirline’s operations on October 12, without prior notification to CAAM, he said, raises serious concerns on public safety and the overall integrity of civil aviation operations in Malaysia.
“A detailed safety audit will be carried out on MYAirline during this temporary suspension to reassess the airline’s capability.
“Any violations by AOC holders will be dealt in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 and Civil Aviation Directives (CAD).
“CAAM reminds all license holders to uphold their obligation to regulations and ensure strict compliance,” he added.
MYAirline was rumoured to be going through financial woes, with speculation surfacing after its chief executive Rayner Teo stepped down last Saturday, citing “health reasons”.
Several key management personnel also resigned from the company, including its chief financial officer and chief commercial officer. – October 16, 2023