The airline is a joint collaboration between the Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor and Eco Riths Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd.
The airline’s chief executive officer Rithsman Mohamed told Malay Mail Online they intended to fly Muslim pilgrims to Mecca and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia at subsidised prices while offering premier service.
Rithsman said Waqf Airlines aimed to be Malaysia’s first Shariah compliant certified airline and will seek certification from the religious authorities for all aspects of its operations and funding, which will be overseen by a Shariah panel.
The airline’s crew will wear uniforms that meet Islamic modesty standards and international safety standards, serve halal food while also having an ustaz (Islamic cleric) on board to deliver short religious talks during flights to and from Saudi Arabia.
There will also be prayers before take off with prayer times announced onboard.
While the airline conceded that total segregation between men and women may not be entirely possible, family seating will be prioritised.
Aside from offering subsidised fares to its passengers, Waqf Airlines will also channel 20 per cent of its net profits to the fund of Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor for welfare projects.
Two per cent of its annual aggregate income meanwhile would be channelled towards humanitarian and corporate social responsibility projects.
A RM50 waqf contribution that goes back to Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor and an RM10 contribution to NGOs for humanitarian activities will be included in the fares.
Currently, Malaysia’s first and only Shariah compliant airline, Rayani Air services domestic routes.