[ad_1]
PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry says it will investigate allegations that unlicensed private jets are being used for commercial purposes at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang.
In a statement on Thursday (December 24), the ministry said it took seriously the issue of illegal charter planes for commercial purposes.
He said that the Malaysia Aviation Commission (Mavcom) Act 2015 stipulates that any party providing non-scheduled flight services for hire or reward, including the operation of private jets for charter flights, must obtain an air service permit from the Commission.
“Furthermore, only licensed airlines with valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by their respective countries can apply for the rights to provide private jets for chartered purposes to transport passengers within Malaysia for hire or reward.
“This is necessary to ensure that flight services comply with the technical and safety requirements established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
“The ministry through CAAM and Mavcom will conduct an investigation on this issue in order to take the necessary actions.
“The public is encouraged to report any pertinent information to the ministry, CAAM or Mavcom to assist in this investigation,” he said.
The ministry also said that it is currently reviewing all related policies, including holding dialogue sessions with relevant stakeholders, as there is an increase in demand for private flight services.
In addition to increasing demand, he said the review was also aimed at fostering business growth in the commercial aviation subsector.
A recent industry survey by the Asian Commercial Aviation Association (AsBAA) Malaysia was reported to have revealed that the Subang Aviation Group was rapidly becoming a hub for illegal charter flights.
The report also found that these flights operated below the radar of the authorities and posed serious safety risks for passengers, in addition to affecting the businesses of authorized operators.
[ad_2]
