Viva Macau has given up its battle to stay alive and has begun the process of winding down its operations.

The Macau Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) revoked the low-cost carrier's air operator's certificate (AOC) on 28 March after it started cancelling its flights due to an inability to pay for fuel.

The AACM also obtained Air Macau's permission to cancel a sub-concession contract. Aircraft lessor AWAS, which supplies Viva Macau's three Boeing 767s, also terminated their contract and applied to the AACM to de-register the aircraft.

Viva Macau had said over the weekend that it might take legal action against the AACM's moves, which is added had "no grounds". The Macau government, however, said on Monday that it was within its legal rights to revoke the AOC.

Yesterday, the carrier said in a statement that it would stop operations and shut down its office in the island.

"As a direct result of the revocation of the Viva Macau AOC - a globally unprecedented event in international aviation - Viva Macau is now seeking legal advice for an orderly and responsible winding down of the business," says the airline.

No further information was given and Viva Macau executives could not be contacted.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news