Rayani Air is set to return to the Malaysian aviation scene in 2027 under new management, nearly a decade after its operations were grounded.
The airline announced on Monday (Sept 21) that it will relaunch as Rayani Air 2.0 Halal, with a new business model focused exclusively on Shariah-compliant charter flights for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
It will no longer operate domestic scheduled flights.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Rayani Air said the revamped airline will be “100 per cent Bumiputera-owned” and managed by an entirely new leadership team.
“We at Rayani Air 2.0 acknowledge and deeply understand the disappointment experienced by many passengers in 2015-2016 under the previous management,” the airline said.
The airline was referring to issues during its previous operations, including flight cancellations and outstanding refund claims.
Rayani Air said it had undergone a lengthy restructuring process since ceasing operations in 2016.
“The past is our lesson. The future we build with trust,” it said.
The revamped airline plans to operate an Airbus A330-300 capable of carrying up to 290 passengers on its Hajj and Umrah charter services.
The aircraft is significantly larger than the Boeing 737-400 fleet used during Rayani Air’s previous operations, which could accommodate about 160 passengers.
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asyiqin.nadzri@asiaone.com
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