Monspace probe deepens M'sian aviation worries

Kuala Lumpur

"THIS is a very serious offence. How can you fly without a licence?" fumed Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai after Monspace Sky Airlines operated a flight between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi last week even though it had yet to obtain a commercial licence or permit from the relevant authorities.

Investigations into Monspace and its purported operator Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd have deepened concerns about the state of Malaysia's aviation sector, which only two years ago was rocked by three air disasters involving established carriers Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.