DHAKA: Malaysia’s first ‘sharia-compliant’ airline made its inaugural domestic flight over the weekend and it hopes to include international routes next year.

A senior airline official said, reports Al Jazeera.

Rayani Air will initially serve the domestic routes in the predominantly Muslim northern states of Kedah and Kelantan, as well as the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak, managing director Jaafar Zamhari told DPA news agency on Tuesday.

The airline does not allow alcohol consumption on its flights and serves only halal food, Jaafar said.

‘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.’

Sharia is Islamic law based on the teachings of the Qur’an, and governs many day-to-day practices for observant Muslims.

‘It is compulsory for our Muslim women cabin crew to wear hijab and for non-Muslim to wear a decent uniform,’ he added.

Jaafar added there are also prayers and recitals before each flight departs.

The new airline has 355 employees, which includes eight pilots and 50 cabin crew.

Rayani Air’s fleet consists of two Boeing 737-400 aircraft, he added.

The airline plans to expand its network in Asia next year and it is also planning to introduce destinations to Saudi Arabia for the umrah and hajj.

BDST: 2000 HRS, DEC 23, 2015
RR