Malaysia’s Systematic Aviation Services Sees Cessna 208EX Repossessed

Systematic Aviation Services (Kuala Lumpur Subang) has had its Cessna 208EX seaplane repossessed by the owner, Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd, for failing to perform necessary maintenance, as reported by FreeMalaysiaToday. The aircraft, registered as 9M-ORS (msn 208B5751), was seized from the SAS hangar on July 17.

The Cessna had persistent issues with its fuel quantity indication system. The problem was exacerbated when SAS’s only 208EX-qualified engineer left several months ago and was not replaced. An unnamed source stated that SAS provided various excuses for the repair delays without disclosing the absence of a certified engineer.

Earlier this year, SAS acquired the aircraft through a deal with Malaysian property developer Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, intended to transport passengers between Kuala Lumpur and a resort on the Perhentian Islands.

Systematic Aviation Services, with over 30 years of experience as an MRO provider, faced setbacks when the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) did not renew its air service permit (ASP) in late February. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) also suspended SAS’s AOC in mid-March for 90 days. Consequently, even if 9M-ORS were operational, SAS would not have been able to fly it.

The aircraft has been flown to Singapore Seletar Airport for repairs under warranty at Textron Singapore. Oriental Sky is currently seeking a Malaysian Licensed Aircraft Engineer (LAE) to certify the repairs.

Additionally, the pilot who operated the 208EX for SAS resigned on July 16 due to non-payment of salary and has since joined Oriental Sky.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com