KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of MYAirline Sdn Bhd for 90 days, pending further investigations.
The suspension is effective today.
"The sudden suspension of MYAirline's operation on October 12, 2023, without prior notification to CAAM; raises serious concern 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," CAAM saidin a statement posted on its facebook account.
In defending the issuance of an AOC to MYAirline just days before it decided to suspend its flight operations, CAAM said a safety audit was carried out on MYAirline from May 29, 2023 to June 1, 2023 for their AOC renewal and at that time, there were no findings to indicate financial distress.
Elements of the financial indicator checklist as per International Civil AviationOrganisation (ICAO) Documents 8335 were included in the safety audit process.
CAAM said 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."To date, MYAirline had not submitted such notification to CAAM," it noted.
CAAM noted that any violations by AOC holders will be dealt in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 and Civil Aviation Directives (CAD).
It also reminded all license holders to uphold their obligation to regulations and ensure strict compliance.
Meanwhile, as the technical regulator of the Malaysian aviation industry, CAAM said it oversees the technical aspects of air operators to ensure that all universal safety and security standards are met.
"CAAM issues an AOC to authorise an air operator to engage in specified aircraft operations."Among the key aspects that are assessed for an AOC issuance and renewal are the capabilities of the air operator to conduct safe operations and in accordance with theprovisions of the operations specification.
"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," it added.