“We Are Answering The Call Of Many Malaysians Who Wanted An Islamic Airline”

In an article posted by Airline Industry Today, we find that Malaysia’s Rayani Air started their operations last week. According to the report, it is the country’s first Islamic airline, offering flights that adhere to Islamic rules, including prayers, no serving of alcohol or meals with pork, and an Islamic dress code for Muslim female flight attendants.

The report said that the idea for Rayani Air grew out of much-publicized complaints by Muslims who believed that two major air disasters for the national Malaysia Airlines, Flight 370 that went missing in March 2014 and Flight 17 downed a few months later over Ukraine, were caused by Allah’s wrath. Their solution was to develop an airline that adheres to Islamic customs to avoid divine retribution.

The report quotes Rayani’s managing director, Jaafar Zamhari, “We are answering the call of many Malaysians who wanted an Islamic airline.” We are not talking about being a holy airline or flying to holy destinations. We just want to provide an alternative to travelers, but we are open to all races and religions.”

The airline operates two Boeing 737’s, and on the inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to the northeastern city of Kota Baru. It’s reported more than 100 passengers were greeted by Muslim female flight attendants wearing black headscarves, long pants and lime-green jackets. A prayer was recited before takeoff and passengers were served halal food.

One passenger said she chose the airline because of its Islamic credentials. She is quoted as saying, “It’s quite important for me because first of all, I am a Muslim, and second, Malaysia is an Islamic country,” said Che Masnita Atikah, a 23-year-old student. “It’s quite important to have this kind of airline to represent Malaysia and its image as an Islamic country.”

(Image a Facebook screen grab)

FMI: www.rayaniair.com