PETALING JAYA, April 10 — Claims of faulty airframes and unpaid salaries were among the reasons that apparently led to Rayani Air suspending its operations yesterday, according to insiders.

“The pilots had raised concerns with the windows and hydraulic systems since late January. They were concerned some of these issues could potentially lead to accidents,” a source said.

He said there were numerous technical issues, one being a broken cockpit window that happened on February 9.

“These issues were the so-called “technical problems” often cited by the company over delays and cancellations in flights since February.”

The airline operates two Boeing 737-400. The first model was launched in 1988 with a total of 486 being produced when the line was discontinued in 2000. It is able to carry 144 passengers in business and economy class.

Malaysia Airlines operated 46 units of the aircraft between 1989 and 2014, after which they were phased out in favour of the 737-800. AirAsia operated several before replacing them with the Airbus A320-200.

However, the aircraft has been in several notable incidents resulting in a loss of 50 airframes from the 737 series due to rudder and fuel tank issues.

Rayani Air founder Ravi Alagendrran had told Malay Mail several department heads had conspired to shut the airlines down by inciting the pilots to strike.

Another source said the restructuring exercise would enable the company to weed out staff who had planned the downfall of the airline.

“The suspension and restructuring will be used to identify and get rid of these individuals. 

“We do not know the motive behind their actions but this is an opportunity to clean the company up,” he said.