Suasa Airlines fined RM380k for operating without permit

Suasa Airlines was fined RM380,000 for carrying passengers between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi without a valid permit, the Malaysia Aviation Commission (Mavcom) said.

The airline pleaded guilty to doing so at the Sepang Sessions Court today.

Mavcom said the airline operated a "demonstration flight" on July 22, despite Mavcom rejecting its application to operate a non-scheduled commercial flight from Langkawi that day.

“Stringent steps taken by the commission is ultimately to safeguard consumers, and therefore the commission is firm in its standing and will take action on offenders that do not comply with the industry laws and regulations,” said Mavcom executive chairperson Abdullah Ahmad said.

Suasa Airlines had last year insisted it broke no laws by holding a demonstration flight.

The company plans to operate chartered services to China, the Middle East and Langkawi using its B737-400 aircraft, according to the Centre for Aviation (Capa).

Its launch, under the name MonSpace Sky Airlines, was graced by Hong Kong celebrity Maria Cordero and local singer Shila Amzah, who said she was the brand ambassador.- Mkini