One day after its operations were suspended due to a pilot strike , Rayani Air CEO Ravi Alagendrran today issued a public apology over the recent series of difficulties faced by customers.

In a statement posted on his Facebook account, Ravi said Rayani Air is saddened by the shortcomings in its services and promised to make improvements.

“As CEO of Rayani Air, I apologise to all our loyal customers who have faced difficulties, whether directly or indirectly, over these past few weeks.

“Rayani Air is a new airline in the country. We have a lot to improve and learn. Please continue to support our company. It is hoped that the company will continue to remain relevant for all and keep on soaring higher,” said Ravi.

Rayani Air Sdn Bhd, a full service airline in Malaysia launched three months ago, is the first Syariah-compliant airline in Malaysia and the fourth airline in the world after Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Iran Air.

It was reported on Friday that a pilot strike over an alleged failure to pay their salaries had caused the cancellation of certain Rayani Air flights.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai earlier today also said that the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will issue a temporary operation suspension notice to Rayani Air after the airline had unilaterally suspended its operations.

Liow reportedly said the operation suspension will be effective from tomorrow and the airline should not have suspended its operation on its own without the permission of the DCA.

The company is also facing the possibility of having its licence revoked by the DCA if it fails to comply with conditions set to continue operations, Liow added.

Ravi, however, urged the public to wait for the airline to resume its operations.