Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) executive chairman Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) on Tuesday revoked the air service permit (ASP) of global umrah/hajj charter operator Eaglexpress Air Charter Sdn Bhd effective Dec 21 for failing to comply with certain conditions within the stipulated timeframes.
The four-year-old Eaglexpress, the country’s second charter airline after Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd, operates flights to Saudi Arabia from North Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
Mavcom said in a statement that with the revocation of the ASP, the Kuala Lumpur-based airline would not be able to carry by air or use any aircraft for the carriage of passengers, mail or cargo for hire or reward on a non-scheduled journey over domestic or international routes.
“If the airline continues to provide such services, it will have committed an offence under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 [Act 771],” said the civil aviation regulator.
On Aug 30, 2016, Mavcom gave Eaglexpress an ASP effective for a period of 12 months (from Sept 1, 2016, to Aug 31, 2017) with specific conditions imposed by the commission to be complied with by the airline within stipulated timeframes.
Mavcom said Eaglexpress has failed to comply with the said conditions within the stipulated deadlines. The statement did not mention the conditions imposed.
On Dec 1, Mavcom had issued a show cause letter to Eaglexpress giving it an opportunity to provide written representations.
Eaglexpress submitted its representation in writing to Mavcom on Dec 14.
“However, upon reviewing the said written representations, Mavcom has decided to revoke the ASP as the representations made were not satisfactory. The airline has failed to provide sufficient evidence for the Commission to believe that it will be able to resolve all concerns raised and to comply to the conditions imposed,” said Mavcom.
Mavcom executive chairman Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad said this latest episode with Eaglexpress, as well as the earlier case with Rayani Air, “should be a clear indication to potential and current industry players that operating an airline (chartered or scheduled) is extremely challenging and requires a high degree of planning, financial depth, operational know-how and execution competency to stand any chance of succeeding.”
He reiterated that a robust commercial foundation and depth were necessary prerequisites to be a player in the industry – regardless of whether it is an ASP or air service licence (ASL) holder. "The Commission will strive to ensure only enterprises that are equipped and ready will be allowed to participate.”
Mavcom, which began operations on March 1 this year, is an independent economic regulatory body established pursuant to the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771). Its mission is to promote a commercially viable, consumer-oriented and resilient civil aviation industry that supports Malaysia’s growth.
It is also responsible for airline licensing, airport charges, route allocation, dispute resolution and consumer protection, among others.
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