Malaysia’s newest airline has launched, completing its maiden flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Rayani Air is the country’s first syariah-compliant airline, serving only halal food and no alcohol aboard flights.
From its base at Langkawi, the carrier will initially serve Kota Baru, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu using two Boeing 737-400 aircraft.
It also has ambitious plans to fly international routes in China, Australia and Hajj charter flights to the Middle East, said managing director Jaafar Zamhari.
"Part of the expansion plan includes expanding into the Umrah and Hajj flights," he said.
"Langkawi International Airport became the choice of our hub for its growing tourism-based economy in Malaysia,"
The company plans to add two more 737-400s and two 737-800s to its fleet by 2017.
Jaafar said bookings have been encouraging so far since its reservation system went live a week ago, with about 60% of seats sold for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday period.
