Viva Macau has had its Air Operator Certificate revoked by the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM), meaning the airline is no longer able to operate.
It is understood Viva Macau cancelled services on March 26 because of “fuel payment issues” and didn’t cooperate to help passengers, according to a statement on the government’s website. Air Macau has ended a sub-franchise contract with Viva Macau at the request of the government.
“The government was greatly concerned with the negative impacts of the Viva Macau incident towards passengers and the community,” the statement said, citing Chan Weng Hong, president of the AACM.
In addition, Hong said legal actions will be taken regarding the $28.5 million loan granted to the low-cost carrier between 2008 and 2009. No further details were given on this matter.
Viva Macau’s online booking site was still in operation last Friday and Saturday despite the government being aware of the carrier’s financial conditions.
AACM has urged Viva Macau to terminate its commercial activities including online ticket sales.
Calls to Viva Macau chief executive Reg Macdonald were not returned in time for publication.
