Malaysia's first syariah-compliant airline, Rayani Air, launched its maiden flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi this morning.

Managing director Jaafar Zamhari said Flight RN0600 took off at 10am from the KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang, ferrying 150 passengers - including 18 orphans from the Taufik Islami Institute in Klang, Selangor and media practitioners.

Overall, he expressed satisfaction with the flight operations even though there was a slight delay during passenger check-in.

"So far, I am satisfied with the performance of the crew. They are trained personnel and some of them have experience in the aviation industry.

"I hope everything goes well," he told Bernama when approached before the Boeing 737-400 took off.

A passenger, Ahmad Aiman Mohd Razali, 29, said the price offered by the airline was very reasonable with full-service, which distinguished it from other airlines.

"With one ticket, the baggage allowance is up to 20kg with in-flight meals. So far, I am satisfied with the service," he added.

On Friday, Rayani Air received an air service licence and air operator certificate from the Department of Civil Aviation.

The company is a collaboration between an oil and gas company, Merdeka Jayabumi Enterprise and mining company, Terus Maju Metal.

- Bernama