A DCA spokesperson, who declined to be named, told FMT that for an airline to be approved for public transport operations, the operator must obtain an Air Service Licence or Air Service Permit (ASL/ASP) and the Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
“The ASL or ASP is issued by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAC), where an economic evaluation of the airline, among others, will be carried out.”
Before the MAC began work in March this year, the ASL was granted by the Transport Ministry’s Air Transport Division.
The spokesperson said the AOC, an internationally recognised certificate, is issued by the DCA in Malaysia. The AOC certifies the technical and safety aspects of an airline’s operation.
“The DCA will look into the airworthiness of an airline’s fleet, carry out a safety audit, ensure document compliance, and inspect and evaluate all aspects of operations.”
Only if the airline meets these requirements is it granted the AOC.
The spokesperson said on DCA’s side, these were the initial conditions.
“The DCA also carries out continued monitoring and surveillance of the airlines’ compliance with the requirements and airworthiness of its fleet after approval is given.”
The spokesperson said this included random and annual audits, which were a requirement for a renewal of DCA’s approval.
Earlier today, FMT quoted aviation expert Captain Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian as saying airlines were only required to have six months’ capital to operate. as per international guidelines.
Recently, questions had been asked on social media as to how the authorities allowed financially-troubled airline Rayani Air to take to the skies in the first place.
Rayani Air, hit by funding problems which eventually led to operational issues, was suspended yesterday for three months by the DCA.
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