Firefly Airlines

[Malaysian skyscraper]

I think this Singapore route is a good thing. If most states can go to SG with FY means its easier for people to go for the flight. No need to have a stopover or by road to another airport.

FIREFLY has 6 ATR's already :

REGISTRATION CONSTURCTION NUMBER DELIVERY DATE

9M-FYA 812 2008-08-10
9M-FYB 814 2008-08-29
9M-FYC 821 2008-09-19
9M-FYD 830 2008-10-24
9M-FYE 840 2008-12-12
9M-FYF 860 2009-04-24
9M-FYG 868 (ON ORDER)

Only 4 more to go

[Magician]

all the planned new routes r serving thin market, require no more than one player to operate. expectedly, firefly got the approval to start first. capture the market, before airasia is allowed to fly in. but this provide the competitor to see the real demand from firefly routes, before the competition kicks in at where it supposely worth to be for airasia.

Well thanks for the explanation... just a very personal point of view... I still think the route doesn't make any sense... well of course I am not a businessman, I can't see the potential of the route... no wonder people make millions of dollar a month hehehe...

[ddes]

Well thanks for the explanation... just a very personal point of view... I still think the route doesn't make any sense... well of course I am not a businessman, I can't see the potential of the route... no wonder people make millions of dollar a month hehehe...

Well, what you have to understand that there are ALOT of people traveling between Singapore and Malaysia by coach for work purposes or visiting friends/relatives. What AirAsia and Firefly are doing is to capture these people who think that sitting on a bus for 5 to 6 hours is normal, and offer them tickets the same price as their coach tickets, but the journey will only take 40 minutes on average.

AirAsia largely serves the major cities while Firefly is able to serve all these thin routes (smaller cities/towns) because it flies smaller turboprops, ATR 72s which seat about 75 people. Assuming they breakeven if half the plane is filled, it means they only need to attract 35 passengers, a normal bus-load to make money. The rest of the 25 passengers are pure profit.

Another thing is that Singapore is a major Southeast Asian air hub. For Europeans, Australians and Americans, it's far easier to get to Singapore than KUL because of the connectivity. So picking up tourists via Singapore is easier. Perhaps one day, AirAsiaX and MH will fly to more destinations globally, but right now, flying via SIN is sometimes the only real option.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly Introduces Five Routes From Singapore Into Malaysia


SINGAPORE, June 4 (Bernama) -- Firefly, the low cost carrier of Malaysia Airlines, will make its first entrance into Singapore skies come July 1, and soon after that will introduce four more new routes one after another.

On that date, Firefly will operate the Singapore-Subang flight and barely two weeks later on July 12 the carrier will introduce the Singapore-Ipoh route, followed by Singapore-Terengganu (July 14), Singapore-Kuantan (July 22) and Singapore-Melaka (Sept 1).

Firefly's Managing Director Eddy Leong who announced the commencement of the flights at a reception for the local media and travel industry here tonight said the new routes from Singapore into Malaysia would further strengthen Firefly's network focusing on commuters for business and leisure travellers.

Firefly's maiden flight will depart Skypark Subang terminal, previously known as the Sultan Abdul Aziz International Airport at 7.50 am and arrive at the Singapore Budget Terminal in Changi 9.05 am.

The Singapore-Subang route will operate four times daily, the Singapore-Ipoh and Singapore-Kuantan four times weekly, and the Singapore-Kuala Terengganu and Singapore-Melaka three times weekly.

The airline is now offering an introductory promotional all-inclusive one way fare from S$31, which is already available for booking for travel from now till October 24 this year, on its website www.fireflyz.com.my.



-- BERNAMA

[rizalhakim]

Firefly to start e-ticketing in a month's time
Published: 2009/06/05





FIREFLY Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is set to roll out electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) in a month's time.

Its managing director, Eddy Leong, said the e-ticketing would enable travel agents worldwide to issue e-tickets for Firefly.

"As an example, a Russian can fly here on Aeroflot and use ''MH'' code as we have code-sharing arrangement with MAS. It's like our telecommunications companies' roaming service," he said.

Leong said the e-ticketing, to simplify passenger travel, would enable customers to print their own tickets and make changes to their travel itinerary.





He said Firefly would join its parent airline to have inter-lining e-ticketing agreements with other carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

"This will allow a passenger to check in all the way to the final destination with just one ticket even when using different airlines along the journey," he said.

Firefly now flies to seven international and nine local destinations. -- Bernama

[rizalhakim]

Firefly aims to fly 1.2m passengers this year
Published: 2009/06/05





Firefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), expects to carry 1.2 million passengers this year with seven new Avion de Transport Regional (ATR)-72-500 aircraft to service the routes.

Firefly managing dierctor, Eddy Leong, said the community airline, which operated out of Subang and Penang, carried about 300,000 passengers from January to May this year.

"We expect that by the third, or fourth quarter, the traffic will be much higher with the flights to Singapore.

"Last year, with only three Fokker aircraft, we managed to carry 390,000 passengers," he said in a interview in Subang.

Leong said Firefly would stick to its role as a feeder airline to fly the secondary routes that were not well-served or not being served by other airlines.

Currently, Firefly flies to Penang, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Baru, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Kerteh, Langkawi, Phuket, Koh Samui (Thailand), Medan, Banda Aceh, Pekan Baru, Padang and Batam (Indonesia).

He said said Firefly also planned to add new routes to southern Thailand such as Hatyai and Krabi and the beach resort town of Hua Hin once the political situation in Thailand was stable.

From July 1, it would fly to Singapore from Subang four times daily.

On July 12, it would start the Ipoh-Singapore flight, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore (July 14), Kuantan-Singapore (July 22) and Melaka-Singapore (Sept 1).

Leong said the domestic operations were profitable.

"Basically we are okay and our sales pick up during the festive and school holidays.

"Most of our passengers are young executives, professionals and businessmen who prefer the convenience of Subang airport," he said.

On its plan for expansion, Leong said the Firefly would re-start the Penang-Kota Baru route soon following requests from the travellers and local community leaders.

Firefly suspended its flights from Penang to Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru, Koh Samui and Kuantan in March this year.

He said the airline, however, has no plan to operate the Penang-Singapore route as it was fully-served by the other airlines.

"Instead, we are thinking about Alor Setar-Singapore and Kota Baru-Singapore.

"From Subang, we plan to fly to Palembang, Jambi, Bengkulu and Pangkal Pinang.

"The flights will start next year after we receive another three new ATR-72s. The planes were scheduled for delivery this year but were deferred to next year due to economic slowdown," he said.

He said Firefly planned to provide an hourly shuttle flight service to destinations such as Penang and Singapore from next April next year when it had 10 aircraft in operation.

"We plan to have the hourly shuttle flights from Subang to Penang, Subang-Singapore and Subang-Kota Baru during peak hours," he said, adding that the airline might have eight flights daily for each destination.

"For example, between 7am and 10am, noon and 4pm onwards, we are thinking of several flights for the destinations," he said.

Leong said Firefly planned to roll out a loyalty programme for frequent flyers based on the concept of guaranteed redemption.

"We have thought about it. We will be offering something different from Enrich (MAS's loyalty and frequent flyer programmes)" he said. -- BERNAMA

[peromyvi]

this guy is quite strategic in his actions. turbo prop operation is viable within peninsular due to slow train and bus sevices.

if fireflyz really carries 1.3 million passenger a year and 50% of those are coming from subang this could make the shuttle train from sri subang viable.
It need not be double tracked and can run with diesel trains with frequency about 20 minutes. assuming it takes 10 minutes to reach subang jaya station.

if the train fare is rm 4 to the city. I think this service is viable.

I was proposing to extend the commuter line from sri subang to damansara and perhaps finally connecting it to kepong as a circular loop by then it shd be electrified n doubled tracked.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly to fly Ipoh to Singapore on July 12


IPOH: Firefly, which billed itself as “Your Community Airline”, will fly the Ipoh-Singapore route starting July 12.

The all-inclusive promotional fare is RM88 one way.

However the fare can go up to RM300 depending on the time of booking.


New routes: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (second from left) shaking hands with Leong at the State Secretariat in Ipoh yesterday. With them are (from left) adviser to the Mentri Besar on Chinese affairs Datuk Chang Ko Youn, state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and adviser of Indian affairs Datuk S. Veerasingam.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the route would open up Ipoh to the world.

The 80-minute flight will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

It departs Ipoh 4.45pm, arriving at the Changi budget terminal at 6.05pm.

From Singapore, the new 72-seater aircraft takes off at 2.50pm and lands at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport here at 4.10pm.

“We have been in discussion with the Perak Government since 2007 to provide accessibility to exploit the untapped and hidden treasures of Perak,” Leong said after a briefing with the state officials, tour agents and hotel operators yesterday.

Leong said Firefly would provide free refreshments and snacks, assigned seats and free 20kg baggage allowance for check-in baggage.

The RM88 promotion is available for booking (www.fireflyz.com.my or call 03-7845 4543) from now until Oct 24.

[rizalhakim]

Tiket FireFly Ipoh-Singapura serendah RM88




FLYFIREFLY Sdn Bhd (FireFly), anak syarikat milik penuh Malaysia Airlines (MAS) bakal merancakkan kembali industri penerbangan di Perak menerusi pengenalan laluan terus dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh ke Singapura mulai 12 Julai ini.

Sebagai permulaan, Firefly menawarkan kekerapan penerbangan sebanyak empat kali seminggu iaitu pada hari Isnin, Rabu, Jumaat dan Ahad pada harga tawaran serendah RM88 hingga RM300.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong, berkata pengenalan laluan itu bakal memberi nafas baru kepada lapangan terbang itu selain membantu merancakkan sektor ekonomi dan pelancongan di negeri itu.

Beliau berkata, tawaran serendah RM88 itu memberi peluang kepada masyarakat untuk menggunakan perkhidmatan yang disediakan pihaknya.

“Kami menawarkan perkhidmatan yang terbaik dan penumpang tidak perlu membayar apa-apa bayaran kerana semua itu tertakluk kepada jumlah tiket termasuk RM51 bagi cukai lapangan terbang, makanan dan minuman serta elaun bagi bagasi yang mempunyai berat kurang daripada 20 kilogram (kg).


“Dengan adanya perhidmatan ini, ia sedikit sebanyak membantu menempatkan Ipoh dalam peta pelancongan dunia selain menarik pelancong dari agensi penerbangan lain ke Ipoh,” katanya selepas sesi taklimat mengenai laluan berkenaan di Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan di Ipoh, kelmarin.

Hadir sama Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Sehingga kini, Firefly mempunyai tujuh pesawat ATR-72-500 termasuk sebuah yang akan diterima hujung bulan ini. Pesawat itu boleh membawa 72 penumpang bagi setiap penerbangan.

Sementara itu, Zambry berkata, pengenalan laluan terus itu akan memberi nafas baru kepada Lapangan Terbang Sultan Azlan Shah yang selama ini suram berikutan tidak digunakan sepenuhnya

[nazrey]

Tourism boost seen with new Firefly service
NST Online » Local News 2009/06/11
By : Ridzwan Fernandez

KUALA TERENGGANU: Tere-ngganu expects more tourists from Singapore now that budget airline Firefly had added the Kuala Terengganu-Singapore route to its network.

Terengganu's natural attractions such as Lake Kenyir and islands off the South China Sea are popular leisure destinations for Singaporeans.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said believes Firefly's direct service from the state capital would bring in more tourists from the republic.

"We can expect a boost in arrivals due to this service. It will attract not only Singaporeans but other international tourists who are already there as well."

Speaking at a briefing by Firefly officials on its new service route, Ahmad said an increase in arrivals would also help boost the tourism industry in the mainland and generate further spin-offs for local businessmen.

The timing of the flights was such that visitors were most likely to spend a night here before heading off to the islands or Kenyir the next day.

"This means more business for the local hotels here, besides giving tourists ample time to shop around for local products such as our famous batik and dried keropok (fish crackers)."

Firefly has scheduled July 14 for its first flight to Singapore from here and will fly the route three times a week.

The flights depart from the Sultan Mahmud International airport here at 3.30pm and arrive at the Changi budget terminal at 4.45pm.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the new route reflected the airline's commitment to help spur Terengganu's tourism industry and attract investments.

Besides the current twice-a- day flights to Subang from here, Firefly also flies from Subang to Kerteh, mostly catering to those in the oil and gas industry.

Firefly will add four other new routes to its network soon, beginning with flights from Subang to Singapore, followed by Ipoh-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and Ma-lacca-Singapore.

On its suspended Kuala Terengganu-Penang service, Leong said the airline hoped to revive the route once there were positive signs of an economic turnaround and when it had added more aircraft to its fleet of six new ATR72-500 planes.

"We are hoping to revive this sector by the year-end or early next year," he said.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly Expects High Load Factor For Subang-Singapore Route


KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Community airline Firefly Sdn Bhd expects a high load factor of 75 to 76 percent for its Subang-Singapore route which will start early next month, managing director Eddy Leong said Thursday.

"Bookings for the route are especially from corporate travellers as most of the corporate headquarters and branches are located in Singapore," he told reporters at a cocktail event here in conjunction with the launch of its latest Subang-Singapore route.

Firefly will make its entry into Singapore skies on July 1, departing from the SkyPark Subang terminal at 7.50am and arriving at Singapore's Changi Budget Terminal at 9.05am.

"This is much anticipated moment for Firefly. Our new route from Singapore into Malaysia further strengthens Firefly's network, focusing on business and leisure travellers," Leong said.

"It also completes our promotion of 'one' destination 'four' countries, pairing countries together to co-support tourism," he said.

He also said that Firefly will start a shuttle flight service for the Subang-Singapore route next year, adding that the airline also planned to operate the Kota Baharu-Singapore and Alor Setar-Singapore routes by end of this year.

Asked about the sales target for this year, Leong said: "Firefly is 72-seater. If we have 40 person per flight, we make money already."

In addition to the Subang-Singapore route, Firefly will begin operating other routes in stages next month, such as Ipoh-Singapore, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore and Kuantan-Singapore.

According to him, the response to these routes has been encouraging, especially for the Ipoh-Singapore route which has already seen 40 percent load factor.

On the airline's plans this year, Leong said: "This year Firefly will more focus on Peninsular routes and increase frequency to Indonesia and Singapore."

Currently, the airline flies to Penang, Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Baharu, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Kerteh, Langkawi, Phuket, Koh Samui, Medan, Banda Aceh, Pekan Baru, Padang and Batam.

On regional expansion, Leong said Firefly planned to fly to Palembang, Jambi, Bengkulu and Pangkal Pinang next year on expectation of the economy showing signs of recovery.

The airline also planned to operate routes in southern Thailand such as Hatyai, Krabi and Hua Hin, depending on the political situation in Thailand, he said, adding that Firefly was now monitoring the situation carefully.

[nazrey]

Tourism in Terengganu set to soar
Saturday June 13, 2009
By SHAHRIL CHE WAN

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu’s tourism industry will get a boost when the low-cost carrier Firefly from Changi touches down at the Sultan Mahmud Airport on July 14. The maiden Terengganu flight will be carrying Singaporean tourists.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said Firefly will serve directs flights from here to Changi Airport beginning July 14 with three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

With direct international flights, the state government anticipates the arrival of more Singaporean tourists to make stopovers in Kuala Terengganu before going to the islands or lakes.

“This means more money will be spent and local traders and hoteliers will profit,” he said after a briefing by Firefly Sdn Bhd’s managing director Eddy Leong here on Wednesday.

Ahmad said the 20 minute flight could carry 70 passengers and costs RM88 one way.

He said the state government would waive passenger tax, landing tax and parking tax for the carrier in a move to encourage more carriers to utilise Sultan Mahmud airport as their regional hub.

“Apart from Singapore, we also have plans for Terengganu-Guangzhou and Taiwan flights,” he added.

Meanwhile, Leong said to enjoy the cheap fares, passengers have to make 30 days advance bookings.

The normal Kuala Terengganu-Singapore fare was priced between RM120 and RM130, he said. Leong said the new route was an addition to FireFly’s current direct services from Subang Jaya Airport to Kerteh and Kuala Terengganu.

In 2008, Terengganu welcomed 3.5 million tourists, most of them Singaporeans.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly defers delivery of 3 new aircraft
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/06/18





FIREFLY, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS)(3786), has deferred delivery of three new planes to next year, because of the economic downturn.

The national turboprop operator was initially expected to take delivery of 10 ATR 72-500s by the end of this year, but will now receive seven.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the move is to better pace the carrier's expansion in tandem with the economic recovery.

"The seven new ATRs will be adequate to operate all our Singapore routes for now," he told Business Times.
In 2007, Firefly and MASWings, another subsidiary of MAS, had inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Avions de Transport Regional, GIE for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s.

"Both Firefly and MASWings signed the aircraft purchase contract subsequent to the MoU, where Firefly signed a firm contract to buy 10 planes with an option for 10 more, and MASWings signed an order for five planes and an option for five," Leong said.

"MASWings eventually confirmed two of its options, making a total of seven firm orders with three remaining options," he said, adding that the aircraft's list price was US$18.5 million (RM65 million) based on delivery in 2008.

On the Singapore routes, Leong said the Ipoh-Singapore and the Malacca-Singapore sectors will serve as a start for Firefly.

The airline will start its flights to Singapore from Subang on July 1.

"Firefly has already obtained approval to fly into Singapore from Alor Star, Kota Baru and Kerteh," Leong said.

"We will devise more plans once we have actual experience of the potential of Ipoh and Malacca, such as Ipoh-Medan and Malacca-Pekan Baru," he added.

On whether Firefly has plans to join rivals AirAsia and Silk Air which had on June 1 introduced the Penang-Singapore route, Leong said: "Penang-Singapore is well-served and we do not have any plans for now as we prefer to focus on secondary routes."

Meanwhile, the carrier is monitoring the situation before resuming some of its flights out of Penang including Kota Baru, Terengganu, Malacca and Kuantan, which were temporarily suspended earlier this year.

"We are looking out for clearer signs of economic recovery," he added.

In looking at new routes to operate, Leong said Firefly is currently in a good position with its network footprint sprawling Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Sumatra and Singapore.

[nazrey]

Firefly announces two more direct flights from S’pore
Published: Wednesday June 24, 2009 MYT 8:12:00 PM

PETALING JAYA: Firefly has announced two new flights from Singapore, to Alor Setar and Kota Baru.

Angelina Fernandez, head of marketing and communications, said almost all visitors from Alor Setar and Kota Baru who travel to Singapore for business or leisure only travel via Penang or Kuala Lumpur, which is time consuming.

“These direct flights will give them the best alternative option to travel to Singapore,” she added.

She said Firefly will be working closely with the tourism boards of Malaysia and Singapore to exploit the new routes.

The maiden flights to Kota Baru and Alor Setar are scheduled for Oct 25, departing at 11am from the Singapore Budget Terminal at Changi.

The flights to Kota Baru are four times a week while Alor Setar flights are every other day.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly: Singapore flights to contribute 10pc to revenue
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/06/25




FIREFLY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, expects its Singapore flights to contribute 10 per cent of revenue this year.

The community airline is set to operate six flights daily from various Malaysian airports into Singapore by December this year.

"Our plan is to bring in more Singaporeans and transit passengers from Singapore and put smaller towns in Malaysia on the world map," FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong told Business Times yesterday.

Firefly will make its entry into Singapore skies on July 1, departing from the SkyPark Subang terminal at 7.50am and arriving at Singapore's Changi Budget Terminal at 9.05am.





In addition to the Subang-Singapore route, Firefly will begin operating other routes in stages next month, such as Ipoh-Singapore, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore and Kuantan-Singapore.

Yesterday, Firefly launched ticket sales for its Alor Star-Singapore and Kota Baru-Singapore flights that will begin by October.

Leong said the airline is currently working with inbound agents in Singapore to get more people to fly into Malaysia from Singapore.

"We are also working with Club Med, the YTL Group, Swiss Garden and Hyatt to globally market their properties and put smaller towns like Kuantan and Pangkor on the map," he said.

Leong said Firefly has so far received encouraging response for the Singapore routes from Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Subang.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly to link Singapore to Alor Setar and Kota Baru


PETALING JAYA: Firefly has announced the addition of two new flights — to Alor Setar and Kota Baru — from Singapore.

Its marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said almost all visitors from Alor Setar and Kota Baru who travel to Singapore for business or leisure only travelled via Penang or Kuala Lumpur, which was time consuming.

“This direct flight will give them the best alternative to travel to Singapore,” she added.

Fernandez also said Thailand would stand to benefit from the new arrivals as it was easily accessible by road from both state capitals.

Expressing gratitude to the Kedah and Kelantan governments for providing access to the “untapped and hidden treasures” of the states, Fernandez said Firefly would work closely with the tourism boards of Malaysia and Singapore to exploit the new routes.

The maiden flights to the state capitals are scheduled for Oct 25 at 11am, departing from the Singapore Budget Terminal Changi.

Flights to Kota Baru will depart four times a week while Alor Setar will have flights every other day.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly Begin Subang-singapore Flight Today


KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first community airline, Firefly, Wednesday officially commenced its Singapore-Subang and return flight.

The airline in a statement said the commencement of the thrice-daily flights, signifies its commitment to providing direct access by air to other states in Malaysia.

It said the route, which had three flights daily will have an additional frequency, making it four times daily, effective July 12.

"Our new routes into Singapore further strengthens Firefly's network while focusing on travellers for business and leisure.

"It also completes our promotion of "One Destination, Four Countries"," managing director Eddie Leong said.

He said the carrier was offering an introductory promotional all-inclusive one way fare at RM88.00 nett for the Singapore-Subang flight.



-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Firefly sees growth from Singapore routes
Published: 2009/07/03

Community airline Firefly, which launched its Subang-Singapore flight this week, is confident of growth from all its routes to Singapore based on a 70 to 75 per cent load factor target set for each route.

"This year we are not projecting extraordinary profit or unusually high growth. I can say it will be in line with what we plan for," said managing director Eddy Leong.

"And it's a positive number and I think the fact that we are being allowed to continue taking new aircraft next year is a strong sign of how strong our business model is," he said at a press conference in Singapore in conjunction with the launch of Firefly's flight from Subang to Singapore.

The airline, with four daily flights to Singapore, planned to increase the frequency to six by end of this year due to the encouraging response, Leong said.

"Sometimes it's good to operate routes that people don't do. We like this kind of route," he said.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS), will focus on expanding the frequency of existing routes rather than look for new routes, Leong said.

He said the airline will launch its Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan to Singapore routes later this month, followed by Malacca in September and Alor Setar and Kota Baru in October.

On the code-share partnership with MAS, Leong said it could help the airline to further strengthen its position in the lucrative Malaysia-Singapore route.

"International travellers, be it business or leisure from all states in Malaysia, will now have the convenience of point-to-point connection into Singapore," he said.

At the press conference, Tourism Malaysia's acting director-general Datuk Amirrudin Abu said the number of tourists coming to Malaysia is expected to grow steadily this year with the launch of Firefly's Malaysia-Singapore route.

Last year, 11 million Singaporeans came to Malaysia, with only three per cent of them using air transport, he said.

"For this year, we expect to see 20 million Singaporeans coming to our country. Firefly's efforts will help increase the number of air passengers to Malaysia," Amirrudin said.

He said for the first six months of this year, more than nine million Singaporean visited Malaysia despite the H1N1 flu outbreak and economic downturn.

Changi Airport Group's chief executive officer Lee Seow Hiang said between January and May 2009, the total passenger movement between both countries at Changi Airport stood at 1.3 million, a 20 per cent growth compared with the same period last year.

"Given the strong traffic potential on the Singapore-Malaysia routes and the extensive air network of Changi Airport, I am confident Firefly will find many new business opportunities at Changi," Lee said.

"I therefore encourage Firefly to further expand its operation at Changi Airport, and add new services from other Malaysian cities to Singapore," he said. -- BERNAMA

[rizalhakim]

Firefly buzzing with new routes from Malaysia to Singapore


SINGAPORE: Firefly will begin services from Kota Baru and Alor Setar to Singapore from Oct 25 and 27 respectively.

This comes after five new routes are opened, in stages, between Malaysia and Singapore.

Managing director Eddy Leong said following the commencement of flights between Subang and Singapore on Wednesday, the airline would also start operating between Ipoh and Singapore on July 12.

The other services are Kuala Terengganu-Singapore (July 14), Kuantan-Singapore (July 22) and Malacca-Singapore (Sept 1).

Leong said: “The Subang-Singapore is very much targeted at the business community while the other destinations are mainly for leisure travellers.”

He said the routes offered were popular tourists destinations, adding that the airline would continue to concentrate on areas which were not well-served by other carriers.

“We are focused on Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and southern Thailand,” he said.

Singapore, he said, was an important hub as it received 36 million tourists a year.

Tourism Malaysia acting director-general Datuk Amirrudin Abu said the additional routes could ease land traffic congestion as they catered to different locations in the country.

Changi Airport Group chief executive officer Lee Seow Hiang said the new flights would add to the rapidly growing air travel market between the two countries.

“Between January and May, there was almost 1.3 million passenger movement between the two countries,” he said, adding that this was a 20% growth compared to the same period last year

[nazrey]

Firefly To Add Three More Aircraft Next Year
July 08, 2009 17:07 PM

KUANTAN, July 8 (Bernama) -- FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly), a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), will recieve three more ATR72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft next year.

Firefly's managing director, Eddie Leong said the aircraft which cost US$18 million each, will boost the company's plan for network expansion and passengers.

"Currently, Firely operates with seven ATR 72-500 planes with each flight carrying 72 passengers," he told reporters after announcing the commencement of the Kuantan-Singapore route here, Wednesday.

Firefly's maiden flight into Singapore is slated for departure from the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport here on July 22.

Eddie said the four times weekly flights will further strenghten its network while focusing on commuters for business and leisure.

"Singapore is an important hub for Firefly to tap into.Our target market will now expand to not only include Singaporeans but also Malaysians working in the country, the expatriate community and transit passengers," he said.

He said the route also reflects Firefly's commitment to help spur tourism in Pahang.

The carrier is offering an introductory promotional all inclusive one way fare of RM88 for the Kuantan-Singapore flight.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Firefly sasar kendali 1.3 juta penumpang
9 Julai 2009

KUANTAN 8 Julai - Syarikat penerbangan FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) yang menyasarkan untuk mengendalikan kira-kira 1.3 juta penumpang sehingga akhir tahun ini, bakal menerima tiga pesawat baru yang dibeli pada harga lebih RM190 juta.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, pesawat tersebut yang dibeli dari Toulouse, Perancis pada harga AS$18.5 juta (RM64.75 juta) sebuah itu dijangka diterima pada tahun depan.

Beliau berkata, ketika ini Firefly mempunyai tujuh buah pesawat dengan kapasiti 72 penumpang, bagi menampung laluan domestik dan antarabangsa.

"Sasaran kita adalah untuk berkembang selari dengan perkembangan pemegang saham," katanya kepada pemberita di sini, hari ini.

Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, laluan baru Firefly dari Kuantan ke Singapura akan mula beroperasi 22 Julai ini membabitkan empat penerbangan seminggu.

Katanya, syarikat menyasarkan laluan tersebut menarik 25,000 penumpang setahun terutama di kalangan penumpang antarabangsa khususnya dari Singapura.

Jelasnya, tiket-tiket untuk penerbangan tersebut telah pun mula dijual bulan lalu dan setakat ini sambutan yang diterima sangat menggalakkan.

"Kita menyediakan perkhidmatan udara untuk laluan yang jarang diterokai oleh syarikat penerbangan lain. Tujuan kita, selain faktor perniagaan, kita hendak memberikan khidmat sosial dengan memberi kemudahan kepada orang ramai.

"Singapura merupakan hab yang penting untuk diterokai oleh Firefly dan sasaran pasaran kita bukan sahaja di kalangan rakyat Singapura, tetapi juga rakyat Malaysia yang bekerja di sana, ekspatriat dan pelancong asing," katanya.

Menurutnya, sejak beroperasi April 2007, Firefly menunjukkan prestasi yang memberangsangkan dan menjangka keadaan semasa tidak memberi impak yang besar kepada prestasi serta operasi syarikat.

"Kita tidak melihat impak besar yang nyata ke atas ekonomi negara berikutan kes selesema babi yang melanda dunia disebabkan langkah- langkah pencegahan yang diambil kerajaan," katanya.

Sehubungan itu, beliau optimis Firefly akan terus merekodkan prestasi yang membanggakan pada tahun-tahun akan datang.

[rizalhakim]

Additional aircraft to boost Firefly’s plans to grow
By SIMON KHOO


KUANTAN: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd will take delivery of three more ATR72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft, costing over RM60mil each, next year.

The additional aircraft would boost the low-cost carrier’s plan for network expansion and growing its passenger volume, managing director Eddie Leong said at a briefing on Firefly’s operations yesterday.


Eddy Leong ... We are opening all our new routes to Singapore at a frantic pace.
The airline currently had seven of the French-made ATR72-500 aircraft which cost a total RM500mil, and had a seating capacity of 72 passengers each, he said.

“The number of aircraft is not an issue here; it’s the manner in which we are able to fully utilise them to service all the routes.

“In this aspect, we will work closely with the state governments to promote their tourism products in a win-win situation,” he said, citing examples of eco and nature getaway packages to renowned sites such as Tioman and Taman Negara in Pahang.

Firefly will commence direct flights four times a week from Kuantan to Singapore from July 22.

“Despite the grim outlook for most airlines, we are opening all our new routes to Singapore at a frantic pace. These new routes will further strengthen Firefly’s network focusing on business and leisure travellers.

“Our target market will now expand to not only Singaporeans but also Malaysians working in Singapore, the expatriate community and transit passengers,” Leong said.

Leong said for a start, Firefly was targeting 25,000 passengers annually for the Kuantan-Singapore route and was prepared to sustain some losses in the initial stages.

“Other direct flights to Singapore such as from Ipoh, Malacca, Kota Baru and Alor Setar will be opened in stages.

“Overall, we are confident of hitting the target of 1.3 million passengers this year,” he said, adding that Firefly had already achieved 600,000 passengers to date.

[nazrey]

Firefly terima tiga lagi pesawat
9 Julai 2009

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0709/Kosmo/Negara/ne_13.1.jpg

FIREFLY akan menerima tiga lagi pesawat model ATR72-500 tahun depan
sebagai usaha untuk meluaskan rangkaian syarikat dan menambah jumlah
penumpang.

KUANTAN - FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly), anak syarikat Malaysia Airlines (MAS), akan menerima tiga lagi pesawat kipas turbo ATR72-500 menjelang tahun depan.

Pengarah Urusan Firefly, Eddie Leong berkata, pesawat yang berharga AS$18 juta (RM63.72 juta) setiap satu itu akan menyokong rancangan syarikat tersebut meluaskan rangkaiannya dan menambah jumlah penumpang.

"Pada masa ini, Firely beroperasi dengan tujuh pesawat ATR72-500 dan setiap penerbangan membawa 72 penumpang," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengumumkan permulaan perkhidmatan laluan Kuantan-Singapura di sini semalam.

Penerbangan sulung Firefly ke Singapura dijadualkan berlepas dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ahmad Shah di sini pada 22 Julai ini.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly sasar kendali 1.3 juta penumpang
KUANTAN 8 Julai - Syarikat penerbangan FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) yang menyasarkan untuk mengendalikan kira-kira 1.3 juta penumpang sehingga akhir tahun ini, bakal menerima tiga pesawat baru yang dibeli pada harga lebih RM190 juta.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, pesawat tersebut yang dibeli dari Toulouse, Perancis pada harga AS$18.5 juta (RM64.75 juta) sebuah itu dijangka diterima pada tahun depan.

Beliau berkata, ketika ini Firefly mempunyai tujuh buah pesawat dengan kapasiti 72 penumpang, bagi menampung laluan domestik dan antarabangsa.

"Sasaran kita adalah untuk berkembang selari dengan perkembangan pemegang saham," katanya kepada pemberita di sini, hari ini.

Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, laluan baru Firefly dari Kuantan ke Singapura akan mula beroperasi 22 Julai ini membabitkan empat penerbangan seminggu.

Katanya, syarikat menyasarkan laluan tersebut menarik 25,000 penumpang setahun terutama di kalangan penumpang antarabangsa khususnya dari Singapura.

Jelasnya, tiket-tiket untuk penerbangan tersebut telah pun mula dijual bulan lalu dan setakat ini sambutan yang diterima sangat menggalakkan.

"Kita menyediakan perkhidmatan udara untuk laluan yang jarang diterokai oleh syarikat penerbangan lain. Tujuan kita, selain faktor perniagaan, kita hendak memberikan khidmat sosial dengan memberi kemudahan kepada orang ramai.

"Singapura merupakan hab yang penting untuk diterokai oleh Firefly dan sasaran pasaran kita bukan sahaja di kalangan rakyat Singapura, tetapi juga rakyat Malaysia yang bekerja di sana, ekspatriat dan pelancong asing," katanya.

Menurutnya, sejak beroperasi April 2007, Firefly menunjukkan prestasi yang memberangsangkan dan menjangka keadaan semasa tidak memberi impak yang besar kepada prestasi serta operasi syarikat.

"Kita tidak melihat impak besar yang nyata ke atas ekonomi negara berikutan kes selesema babi yang melanda dunia disebabkan langkah- langkah pencegahan yang diambil kerajaan," katanya.

Sehubungan itu, beliau optimis Firefly akan terus merekodkan prestasi yang membanggakan pada tahun-tahun akan datang.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly makes maiden Ipoh-S'pore flight

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/22AA/pix_topright
Passengers arriving from Singapore on the maiden Firefly flight at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh yesterday.
2009/07/13


IPOH: Sultan Azlan Shah airport was a hive of activity when Firefly's ATR 72-500 flew in from Singapore yesterday.

The flight marked the airline's first flight between Ipoh and the island republic.

The flight from the republic, with 57 passengers on board, landed at the airport at 4.45pm to a welcoming ceremony which included traditional dances and a band from Sekolah Menengah Anderson Ipoh.

They were also screened for influenza A H1N1 by a medical team before they were allowed into the arrival hall.

They were received by state Industry, Investment, Entreprenuer Development, ICT, Tourism and Women Affairs committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman who represented Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

They were garlanded and given state tourism goodie bags.

Hamidah later launched the flight from Ipoh to Singapore with 71 passengers, including 21 Perak media representatives, which took off at 5.20pm. The delegation was led by state Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transport and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Mah Hang Soon.

In her speech, Hamidah said the air link was expected to "open up opportunities in the tourism and industrial sectors which would eventually contribute to the growth of the economy of the state".

Firefly operates four flights a week to Singapore.

The airport was previously used by Riau Airlines for its Medan-Ipoh service, with the last flight in March.

It is currently used by a flying academy for training purposes.

AirAsia operated the Ipoh-Senai route for nine months before it suspended the service in September 2006.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong, who was present at the event, said the airline might increase the frequencies if there were demand for it.

The airline was also talking to travel agents to reopen the Ipoh-Medan routes.

[ddes]

^^ Quite good loads... It seems. Congratulations Firefly!

Well, when Firefly flies to all its intended routes to Singapore, it'd have made Singapore a virtual hub, just like AirAsia.

[9MMRD]

Fireflyz having a road show in Dataran Pahlawan Melaka this weekend.

[nazrey]

Firefly Ipoh-Singapore Flights Can Boost Perak Tourism, Economy
July 15, 2009 21:51 PM

SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Ipoh-Singapore route serviced by local community airline Firefly Sdn Bhd can help boost tourism, investment and the economy in Perak.

State Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs and Public Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said Firefly would operate daily flights for the route soon due to overwhelming response from the public since the service began last Sunday.

"We are happy with the response to the Ipoh-Singapore route served by Firefly. We understand that 85 per cent of the tickets have been booked for flights until November," he told reporters after leading a delegation on a state government technical working visit to Singapore.

Also in the delegation were state Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology Committee chairman Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid and the Menteri Besar's advisor on Indian community affairs Datuk S. Veerasingam.

Dr Mah said the flight tickets for the first two months since the service began were fully booked.

He said the service would bring in more tourists to Perak from Singapore as it would take them only one hour and 20 minutes to reach Ipoh compared to more than five hours by road.

Dr Mah said with the good response, the state government hoped that more airlines would operate at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport for routes from Ipoh and also for cargo service.

"The state government is confident of drawing more tourists to the state than the three million recorded last year and more investment, especially from Singapore, with the new service by Firefly.

"The state government will also negotiate with other airlines to reintroduce flights to a number of destinations like Medan and Padang in Indonesia and Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand," he said.

During their three-day visit which ended yesterday, the delegation attended briefings and had discussions and dialogues with the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority and Land Transport Authority, and met with Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S.Iswaran.

"This has been a meaningful and productive visit as we learned from Singapore's experience in developing the island republic, including the policies and plans," Dr Mah said.

He said in the economic sector, 18 per cent (RM540 million) of the RM3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year that went to Perak came from Singapore investors.

Investors could benefit from such economic sectors as the metal and shoe industries and products for the ICT industry, he said.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Md Hussin Nayan, said the Ipoh-Singapore air route operated by Firefly should provide a good opportunity for Perak to diversify activities in the tourism and economic sectors.

"We are proud and happy that airlines like Firefly, MAS, AirAsia and Singapore Airlines are increasing flights from or to major towns in Malaysia. With this, we hope the relevant authorities would provide better facilities for tourists and investors coming to Malaysia," he said.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Direct flights from S’pore to Kuantan
Thursday July 16, 2009

KUANTAN: Singaporeans will have direct access to Kuantan from this month via flights operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, its managing director Eddy Leong said.

Leong said the first flight would depart from Sultan Ahmad Shah airport and arrive at Singapore Changi budget terminal on July 22.

“We started selling the tickets more than a month ago and the response has been quite encouraging.

“Pahang is a well-known holiday destination among Singaporeans, for its pristine beaches and a whole range of sea activities.

“This route reflects our commitment to the Pahang government to help spur the tourism sector and increase tourist arrival,” he said at a briefing of its operations attended by travel agents, hoteliers, corporations and business associations here recently.

Leong said besides the four times a week flights to Kuantan, other direct flights to Singapore from Ipoh, Malacca, Kota Baru and Alor Star will be introduced in stages this year.

He said these routes were part of their strategies to de-urbanise flying within the Klang Valley and play a role in terms of social integration.

Leong said for a start, they had set a target of 25,000 passengers annually for the Kuantan-Singapore route.

He said since the Kuantan-Singapore route was a new route, Firefly was prepared to sustain some losses in the initial stages.

“Overall, we are confident of hitting the target of 1.3 million passenger load for this year,” he said, adding that Firefly had already achieved 600,000 passenger load for the first six months of the year.

Leong said the airline would work closely with the respective state governments to promote their tourism products, such as Tioman Island and Taman Negara in Pahang.

“We will need to come up with programmes and arrangements during the monsoon season so that we can operate our flights throughout the year,” he said.

He said Firefly would also discuss with the Federal Government to find ways of making flying more affordable, including lowering airport taxes and easing the airline’s burden on parking and rental charges.

“Of course, all airlines are facing problems, namely the global economic downturn, rising fuel prices and the influenza outbreak.

“However, the trend in people choosing to fly is picking up and we are looking at reviving the Penang-Kuantan route next year,” he said, adding that the route was given up earlier due to losses.

Presently, Firefly is operating with seven ATR72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft imported from Toulouse, France with a seating capacity of 72 passengers each.

The airline has placed an order for three additional aircraft scheduled for delivery some time next year.

[rizalhakim]

Direct flights from Singapore to Kuantan


KUANTAN: Singaporeans will have direct access to Kuantan from this month via flights operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, its managing director Eddy Leong said.

Leong said the first flight would depart from Sultan Ahmad Shah airport and arrive at Singapore Changi budget terminal on July 22.

“We started selling the tickets more than a month ago and the response has been quite encouraging.


Leong :'Pahang is a well-known holiday destination among Singaporean.'
“Pahang is a well-known holiday destination among Singaporeans, for its pristine beaches and a whole range of sea activities.

“This route reflects our commitment to the Pahang government to help spur the tourism sector and increase tourist arrival,” he said at a briefing of its operations attended by travel agents, hoteliers, corporations and business associations here recently.

Leong said besides the four times a week flights to Kuantan, other direct flights to Singapore from Ipoh, Malacca, Kota Baru and Alor Star will be introduced in stages this year.

He said these routes were part of their strategies to de-urbanise flying within the Klang Valley and play a role in terms of social integration.

Leong said for a start, they had set a target of 25,000 passengers annually for the Kuantan-Singapore route.

He said since the Kuantan-Singapore route was a new route, Firefly was prepared to sustain some losses in the initial stages.

“Overall, we are confident of hitting the target of 1.3 million passenger load for this year,” he said, adding that Firefly had already achieved 600,000 passenger load for the first six months of the year.

Leong said the airline would work closely with the respective state governments to promote their tourism products, such as Tioman Island and Taman Negara in Pahang.

“We will need to come up with programmes and arrangements during the monsoon season so that we can operate our flights throughout the year,” he said.

He said Firefly would also discuss with the Federal Government to find ways of making flying more affordable, including lowering airport taxes and easing the airline’s burden on parking and rental charges.

“Of course, all airlines are facing problems, namely the global economic downturn, rising fuel prices and the influenza outbreak.

“However, the trend in people choosing to fly is picking up and we are looking at reviving the Penang-Kuantan route next year,” he said, adding that the route was given up earlier due to losses.

Presently, Firefly is operating with seven ATR72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft imported from Toulouse, France with a seating capacity of 72 passengers each.

The airline has placed an order for three additional aircraft scheduled for delivery some time next year.

[rizalhakim]

Perak aims for a 'slice' of S'pore
2009/07/16


IPOH: Tourist attractions in Perak will be more aggressively promoted in Singapore now that travel time to the state capital has been reduced to a mere 80-minute flight.





Ipoh will be highlighted as a food haven, Pangkor as the destination for island adventure, and Royal Belum State Park as the ideal holiday venue for nature lovers.

"Singaporeans know about Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands and Johor, but Perak, states on the east coast, Sabah and Sarawak are less popular.

"Since Firefly is starting its Singapore-Ipoh flights, we will have more opportunity to promote Perak," said a top Tourism Malaysia official during a working visit by Perak executive councillors to the island republic recently.

It is understood that Singapore-Ipoh flights are fully booked for the next two months and that Firefly will increase its flights from the current four times a week.



Perak Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transport and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, who headed the delegation, said the state government was hopeful of attracting 20 per cent of Singaporean visitors to Malaysia.


Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Hussin Nayan praised Firefly and other carriers for increasing services to the major towns.

[rizalhakim]

Airlines tighten baggage rules to help trim costs
By YEOW POOI LING

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/17/business/p5-baggagecht.JPG

IATA says every 1% improvement in fuel efficiency across industry can cut fuel costs by US$700mil annually

PETALING JAYA: Most airlines, in trying to mitigate the impact of fuel price volatility, have resorted to stringent baggage restrictions as part of measures to achieve better fuel efficiency.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), every 1% improvement in fuel efficiency across the aviation industry can lower fuel costs by US$700mil annually. This is unsurprising since fuel cost is the second-largest cost for airlines after labour.

Passengers on AirAsia flights are encouraged to travel light, like using carry-on luggage, to minimise checked-in baggage. They are allowed to have one carry-on luggage of up to 7kg, plus free 15kg allowance for checked-in baggage.


In comparison, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) allows for hand luggage to have a maximum combined weight of 5kg and free 20kg allowance for checked-in luggage for economy class (see table).

MAS general manager for corporate safety, security, health and environment, Ooi Teong Siew, said reducing weight was one of the static techniques, which include ensuring aircraft are well trimmed and engines cleaned regularly.

Dynamic techniques, meanwhile, are factors that have an impact on the flight path like direct routings, economical speeds, continuous descents and optimum altitudes.

“These efforts, without compromising on safety and quality, have reduced our fuel burnt rate and enabled us to contribute to cost reduction of RM2.3bil from 2006 to 2008,” Ooi said in an e-mail reply to StarBiz.

AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes noted that for every flight hour, an additional 1,000kg of take-off weight would burn up 90kg fuel.

AirAsia also achieved greater fuel efficiency with its new fleet of A320 planes, as they offered higher unit fuel consumption per flight while high dispatch ability and operational efficiency contributed to lower maintenance expenses, Fernandes said.

“We adhere to a quick turnaround of 25 minutes, which leads to high aircraft utilisation, lower costs as well as greater airline and staff productivity. Fuel consumption-wise, the quick turnaround means less time spent by an aircraft idling on the ground, which reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and harmful emissions,” he said.

Such practices kept costs down and ensured minimum aircraft weight, Fernandes said, adding that savings and benefits would translate into low fares for passengers.

Ooi said MAS also minimised the use of auxiliary power unit on ground, ensured faster connection of ground power, chose the best flight profile as well as adopted a continuous descent approach at applicable airports, and regular airframe and engine maintenance.

“Other examples include replacing the heavy unit loading devices with those which are 40kg lighter and using nearer alternate airports.”

MAS is anticipated to achieve greater fuel efficiency when it takes delivery of 35 B738 late next year and the A380 in 2011.

Meanwhile, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the airline did not practise overzealous efforts in enforcing one hand luggage and checked baggage limits.

“Firefly’s business model was designed to be light from the beginning because we chose a very fuel efficient and modern ATR72-500 aircraft,” he said.

The focus then is on eliminating hassles, enriching the travel experience and optimising costs.

“For example, our full complimentary food and beverage on board includes serving muffins on paper cups and ensuring that we cater exactly to the passenger count. Any extras would be given to passengers.

“In the end, there is no waste to offload, no wastage to worry about. Our ultimate gain is in the revenue side and loyalty from passengers,” Leong added.

Emirates Airlines, in contrast, increased the free baggage allowance across its network effective May 4, with the exception of countries that apply one-piece concept for checked-in luggage.

Economy class travellers are now given 30kg from 20kg previously.

An analyst with a local brokerage said the impact of strict baggage terms was unlikely to have a huge impact on bottomline.

Airlines also tried to carry the correct amount of jetfuel and to power planes by ground power units during waiting periods instead of jetfuel to achieve better fuel efficiency, he said.

IATA, on its website, indicated efforts being taken with air navigation service providers, air traffic controllers, airlines and other key stakeholders to save one minute per flight via better airspace design, procedures and management.

“If successful, this initiative could reduce total industry operating costs by over US$1bil a year and significantly reduce environmental emissions,” the association said, noting that on average, airlines spent US$100 per minute per flight in total operating costs.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly pemangkin pelancongan
Oleh Ridzuan Yop (yang mengikuti lawatan ke Singapura)
bhnews@bharian.com.my

Penerbangan murah Ipoh-Singapura bantu tingkat ekonomi Perak

SINGAPURA: Kerajaan Perak yakin pengenalan laluan udara oleh syarikat penerbangan tambang murah Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) antara Ipoh-Singapura akan mampu meningkatkan dan merancakkan lagi sektor pelancongan dan ekonomi di Perak.

Exco Kesihatan, Kerajaan Tempatan, Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Alam Sekitar, Pengangkutan Awam dan Hal Ehwal Bukan Islam negeri, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, berkata yang pasti pengenalan laluan itu akan dapat meningkatkan kedatangan jumlah pelancongan asing ke Perak terutama dari Singapura.



Beliau berkata, jika sebelum ini, kebanyakan pelancong asing terpaksa memilih jalan darat selepas memasuki negara ini untuk ke Perak, tetapi kini mereka boleh terus mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Azlan Shah di Ipoh.

"Sehubungan itu, kerajaan negeri yakin sasaran untuk meningkatkan jumlah kedatangan pelancong ke Perak melebihi jumlah pada tahun sebelumnya iaitu kira-kira tiga juta akan dapat dicapai selepas pengenalan laluan udara itu.

“Selain itu, jumlah kemasukan pelaburan asing terutama dari Singapura juga dijangka meningkat yang sudah pasti akan merancakkan lagi ekonomi negeri," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengetuai delegasi kerajaan Perak ke Singapura di sini, kelmarin.

Turut serta dalam lawatan itu, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelajaran, Pengajian Tinggi, Sains dan Teknologi, Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid dan Penasihat Menteri Besar bagi Hal Ehwal Kaum India, Datuk S Veerasingam.

Dalam lawatan tiga hari itu, delegasi kerajaan negeri turut mendengar taklimat daripada Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan Semula Bandar Singapura (URA) dan Pihak Berkuasa Pengangkutan Singapura (LTA).

FireFly anak syarikat milik penuh Malaysia Airlines (MAS) memperkenalkan laluan terus dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh ke Singapura mulai 12 Julai lalu.

Sebagai permulaan, Firefly menawarkan kekerapan penerbangan sebanyak empat kali seminggu iaitu pada Isnin, Rabu, Jumaat dan Ahad pada harga tawaran serendah RM88 hingga RM300.

Dr Mah berkata, penerbangan Ipoh-Singapura dan Singapura-Ipoh bagi bulan ini sudah habis ditempah dan beliau yakin pengguna akan terus memilih penerbangan berkenaan pada masa depan.

Katanya, dengan sambutan yang tinggi itu, Firefly bercadang menambah kekerapan penerbangan daripada empat kali seminggu sekarang.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan negeri juga bercadang akan berunding dengan pihak berkenaan bagi memperkenalkan kembali laluan udara di beberapa destinasi lain termasuk ke Indonesia seperti Medan, Padang dan Phuket.

"Saya akan berbincang dengan syarikat penerbangan tambang murah di negara terbabit yang mungkin berminat untuk mengadakan semula penerbangan melalui Lapangan Terbang Sultan Azlan Shah," katanya.

Mengulas mengenai lawatannya ke Singapura, Dr Mah berkata, beliau gembira kerana lawatan itu berjaya serta mendapat banyak manfaat dan kerajaan negeri dapat belajar daripada Singapura pengalaman mereka membangunkan negara pulau itu.

"Berdasarkan kepada lawatan itu kita akan menggunakan pendekatan yang bersesuaian yang boleh digunakan pakai bagi memajukan negeri kerana masalah yang dihadapi oleh Singapura mungkin tidak sama seperti di Perak," katanya.

[Arkdriver]

callsign firefly 3547

[nazrey]

Firefly urged to ply Melaka-Batam route
Sunday, 19 July 2009 20:44

BATAM (Indonesia): The Melaka government will ask Malaysia's community airline Firefly to operate direct flights from the Batu Berendam Airport in Melaka to the Hang Nadim Airport here.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the service was important to strengthen ties between Melaka and the Indonesian island and to encourage tourism in both areas.

"Many people in the Riau islands including Batam are keen to come to Melaka, especially to seek medical treatment under the health tourism programme," he said after the opening of the Gedung Asrama Quran Centre", here, today.

It is a Quran learning centre built at a cost of RM426,545, including RM100,000 from the Melaka government.

At the function, the hostel which now accommodates 400 students, was named Asrama Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. Also present was Riau Governor Ismeth Abdullah.

Mohd Ali said the air service available now was from the Batu Berendam Airport to Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province, while the journey by ferry from Batam to Stulang Laut in Johor would take two hours.

"It will take another two and a half hours to Melaka by road on the North-South Expressway, while the flight from Batam to Melaka will only take 45 minutes."

He said many people in the Riau islands would like to seek medical treatment in Melaka due to the reasonable charges while the medical expertise and modern equipment were on far with that in developed countries.

He also said that from this Sept 1, Firefly would serve the Batu Berendam-Singapore route and hoped the airline would add the Batu Berendam-Batam route.

Meanwhile, Ismeth said when direct flights from Melaka-Batam could materialise, the service would definitely foster ties between the people of Batam and Melaka.

Batam, which is 715 sq km in size, has a population of 991,400.

Mohd Ali, who is also the president of Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI) or Malay World Muslim World, said the DMDI finance house planned to implement a number of economic projects in the Riau islands. — Bernama

[rizalhakim]

Firefly's Kuantan route a hit
2009/07/24


KUANTAN: More than 60 per cent of Firefly's Kuantan-Singapore-Kuantan flights for the month have been snapped up.

Demand is also running high for next month's flights.

Eddie Leong, Firefly's managing director, said this was because the low-cost carrier had established links with hotels and tour operators here.

"We are confident that this flight route will pave the way for something bigger. This route was set up because there was demand from hoteliers, tour agencies and the state government."

He said this yesterday at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport after welcoming 37 passengers on Firefly's inaugural flight from Singapore. They included media representatives and tour agents.



State Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Tan Mohd Aminuddin Ishak, who represented the menteri besar, and state Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Shariff were also present.



Leong said Pahang had the potential to be a major tourist destination of Singaporeans, but there should be more promotional efforts because many people associated Genting Highlands and Bukit Tinggi with Kuala Lumpur and thought that Cameron Highlands was in Perak.

"All these spots are in Pahang, which has famous beaches also, such as Teluk Chempedak, Cherating and Pulau Tioman, a divers' haven.

"Tourists arriving at Kuala Lumpur Internatonal Airport or Subang Airport can take a flight to Kuantan."

Tan Aminuddin told the visitors that political stability had made Pahang a safe place to be and he promised them a new experience as there were many wonderful places to explore.

Firefly operates four flights weekly on the Singapore-Kuantan route.

[Lastresorter]

The recent Firefly's ads in Singapore are pretty cheeky... but somehow I feel that they are quite low-taste?? they are full of sexual inuendos :nuts:

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/asian-skies/Firefly%20backyard.gif

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3081/fireflyz.jpg

[nazrey]

Firefly aborts Melaka-Singapore route
Published: 2009/08/07

FIREFLY, Malaysia's community airlines today aborted its plan to fly the Melaka-Singapore route from Batu Berendam Airport beginning September.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said Firefly had withdrawn and put the blame on the state government for failure to promote the airlines' Melaka-Singapore sector.

"Firefly also expects a RM70 incentive from the state government on seats not sold," he told reporters after officiating the Matta Fair Melaka 2009 (MFM2009) in Bandar Hilir, Melaka.

Mohd Ali said the RM70 incentive to be absorbed by the state government was unreasonable.

In April last year, Firefly had agreed to start its Melaka-Singapore route, four times a week using an ATR72 aircraft which could carry 72 passengers.

At the MFM2009 Mohd Ali said Melaka aimed to draw 7.4 million tourists this year and had received 3.24 million visitors as at May. - Bernama

[nazrey]

Firefly puts flights from 3 states to Singapore on hold
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/08/14

NATIONAL turboprop operator Firefly has put two more flights to Singapore on hold after postponing the Malacca-Singapore route due to technical issues, among others.

It is postponing Singapore flights from Kota Baru, Kelantan, and Alor Star, Kedah, due to the absence of refuelling activities at the airports.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the Malacca flights have been postponed as it needed to re-strategise to meet the request by the Malacca state authorities for Indonesian routes, rather than into Singapore.

"Malacca Airport also currently has no ground handler and refuelling facilities, which we would need to address in order to activate the airport in a significant manner," he told Business Times.

Last week, Bernama reported that Firefly had aborted plans to fly the Malacca-Singapore route.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the airline had withdrawn and put the blame on the state government for failure to promote the Malacca-Singapore sector.

"Firefly also expects a RM70 incentive from the state government on seats not sold," he had said, adding that the amount to be absorbed by the state authorities was unreasonable.

Leong, however, has clarified that Firefly does not operate on a subsidised basis and said the chief minister was misinformed.

"When we operate new secondary routes where traffic is thin and a lot of developmental efforts are involved, we request that stakeholders such as the state government, hoteliers and tourism operators contribute in marketing support to drive passenger traffic," he said.

In most cases, hotels and travel agents will offer lower rates and combined with Firefly's fares, they would create attractive packages.

"On our part, we will invest significantly in advertisement, promotion and marketing activities. Where the initial cost is significant, we seek the support of state governments to ease the burden."

Firefly plans to meet the chief minister to table a new proposal where it plans to fly to many points in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, from Malacca.

Leong said Firefly's collaboration with the Perak Government on the Ipoh-Singapore flights which began last month is progressing well.

"We are now planning to increase the frequency of our four times a week to daily flights from September 1 and this is now pending approval from the relevant authorities," he said.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly swings it with AGS
Published: 2009/08/18





FIREFLY today launched the brand new AGS-Firefly Golf Membership card at Green Canopy, Setia Eco-Park in collaboration with the Advantage Golfing Solution (AGS).

The AGS-Firefly Golf Card offers an array of convenient golfing avenues nationwide, with almost 50 associated golf clubs and resorts to choose from, and unlimited rounds of golf at discounted rates throughout the year, said Firefly and AGS in a statement.

Head of Marketing & Communications for Firefly, Ms Angelina Fernandez said the collaboration with AGS was proof of the company''s support for golfers.

She said Firefly's departure point at Skypark Subang Terminal was an undisputable convenience.

Additionally, the airline is also offering a discounted golf baggage handling fee; the standard international baggage allowance of 20kg; assigned seating; and complimentary beverage and snacks.

On the other hand, Shima Taha, Director of Sales for AGS, said with more than 6,000 active cardholders today, AGS was a choice card for golfers.

Boutique golf courses and resorts that AGS offer to its members are located in exotic destinations like Batam, Pekanbaru, Medan and Koh Samui, which are destinations that Firefly flies to. - Bernama

[nazrey]

Firefly flies daily to Ipoh
Saturday August 22, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Firefly will increase flights on its Ipoh-Singapore route from Sept 1 because of strong demand.

Firefly marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said in a statement that the carrier would be increasing its

flight frequency from four times a week to daily.

The carrier was confident that the additional flights would stimulate more travel and growth prospects between Ipoh and Singapore, she added.

She said prices for a one-way ticket start at RM88 and the travel time was about one hour and 20 minutes.

[nazrey]

Firefly tambah penerbangan sempena Aidilfitri
Jumaat, 28 Ogos 2009

KUALA LUMPUR - Bersempena dengan ketibaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri tidak lama lagi, FireFly Sdn. Bhd. (FireFly) akan menyediakan penerbangan tambahan ke beberapa destinasi terpilih.

Ketua Pemasaran dan Komunikasi FireFly, Angelina Fernandez berkata, penerbangan tambahan itu meliputi perjalanan Subang-Kota Bharu, Subang-Alor Setar, Subang-Medan dan Subang-Pekanbaru.

Menurutnya, bagi penerbangan tambahan Subang-Kota Bharu, ia bermula pada 17 hingga 19 September dan juga dari 26 hingga 27 September manakala penerbangan Subang-Alor Setar pula diadakan pada 18 dan 19 September ini.

"Penerbangan tambahan Subang-Medan pula melibatkan tarikh antara 18 hingga 20 September serta 27 September manakala tambahan perjalanan Subang-Pekanbaru pula hanya diadakan pada 18 September,''katanya dalam kenyataan di sini semalam.

[nazrey]

From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2830831791_dc1bbcf057_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Firefly moots idea of states buying planes
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/09/17

Malaysia Airlines subsidiary Firefly has proposed that Malacca and Perak buy their own propeller-driven turboprop planes and lease them back to the carrier, a move that will result in lower air fares.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd has submitted the proposal to the Malacca state government and plans to do the same for Perak, its managing director Eddy Leong said.

The idea, although unorthodox, may help boost tourism and Firefly is keen to add Perak and Malacca as its hubs.

Currently, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor, and the Penang International Airport serve as Firefly's hubs.

"Even after 10 years of owning the aircraft, they will still be able to get half of its purchase value if they choose to dispose of it," Leong told Business Times in an interview.

"Malacca and Perak are not usually on the radar of commercial airlines. And the authorities will not have to worry about fuel costs, maintenance and repairs once they have leased their planes to us," he said.

Malacca wants to extend the runway at the Batu Berendam Airport to attract more airlines and, presumably, bigger jet-engine planes.

"We believe this is the best method to immediately yield results rather than spend a few hundred million on runway extension, which does not guarantee operations by any airline," Leong said.

He added that with a plane at Batu Berendam, Firefly can offer direct flights between Malacca and Indonesian destinations like Batam, Pekan Baru, Jambi and Palembang, which have been requested by the Malacca state government.

"We are ready to serve both the Perak and Malacca state governments and any other authorities keen on this win-win arrangement."

Leong also said that the Ipoh-Singapore daily flights, introduced on September 1, had been well received and Firefly was looking at doubling the frequency next year.

Firefly currently has seven ATR 72-500s. It was to have taken delivery of another three planes this year, but has deferred this on the grounds of caution.

[nazrey]

Firefly proves sceptics wrong
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/09/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/fly2/pix_topright

WHEN Malaysia Airlines (MAS) (3786) announced in 2007 that it was setting up a community airline which would use the Penang International Airport as its primary hub and operate using two 50-seater Fokker F50 planes, there were many sceptics.

Many wondered if the new airline would survive in the face of other competitors in the country and region, and if the new venture would place the national carrier in financial trouble.

Former MAS managing director Datuk Seri Idris Jala, when speaking at the launch of the new airline's logo in March 2007, had said Firefly would work with its parent company to break new ground in realising a core network over five years.

He had cited markets such as North America, South America and South Africa at the time as part of this network.
Idris had also made it clear that although Firefly is 100 per cent owned by MAS, it would operate separately in terms of management, via FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd.

The focus of Firefly, he said, was to serve the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle.

MAS has so far proved sceptics wrong and Firefly today has carved out a niche and branded itself among players like AirAsia, Silk Air, Jet Airways and Dragon Air.

In further developing its sister airline, MAS invested in a fleet of fuel-efficient turbo-propeller planes to service its routes, and added the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang as its hub.

Its choice of planes was the ATR 72-500s, whose design is touted as a high-wing, twin turboprop aircraft by its French-Italian makers for efficiency, operating flexibility and passenger comfort.

Firefly currently flies from Penang to Kuala Lumpur via Subang, Langkawi, Phuket, Banda Aceh and Medan.

The airline also flies from Subang to Penang, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kerteh, Langkawi, Johor Baru, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Koh Samui, Phuket, Pekan Baru, Medan, Batam and Singapore.

And since September 1 this year, Firefly has been operating the Singapore-Ipoh route.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly must re-look expansion strategies
2009/09/24

WILLIAM DENNIS, Subang Jaya

I REFER to your report "Firefly moots idea of states buying planes" (NST, Sept 17).

Firefly managing director Eddie Leong's proposal to the Malacca government to buy its own turboprop aircraft and lease it back to the carrier as a way to reduce airfares may save the airline investment outlay, but what guarantee is there that customers will benefit from lower fares?

Firefly plans to make a similar proposal to the Perak government and is keen to set up hubs in Perak and Malacca as this will help boost tourism.

If the airline has plans to expand, it should look at the open market to lease aircraft if it does not want to invest in new aircraft.


It does not mean that Firefly should help boost tourism only if the two state governments have their own aircraft to lease to the airline.

As a commercial airline, Firefly should promote tourist destinations across the country.

Malacca and Perak are not attractive to commercial airlines because the carriers find it not viable to start flights due to the small market in the two states.

Leong said with a plane at Batu Berendam Airport, Firefly could offer flights between Malacca and Indonesia covering Batam, Pekan Baru, Jambi and Palembang.

With only one aircraft, how many flights can the airline operate in a day and to how many destinations in Indonesia?

What happens if there are technical problems and there is no engineer on hand to rectify it? Requiring spares would be another issue.

Is the airline ready to station an engineer here and keep an inventory of spares? If it does, it would only raise the airline's operating costs. So, would it be able to reduce airfares?

Refuelling facilities will also have to be set up in Malacca. The infrastructure should be in place first before the airline moves into expansion mode.

It looks like the airline has abandoned plans to operate the Malacca-Singapore route. It should have known that there was no refuelling facility in Malacca before applying to the Singapore and Malaysian governments to operate the flights.

[rizalhakim]

Pesawat: Operasi Firefly tidak terjejas

KUALA LUMPUR 4 Okt. - Tidak seperti mana yang diharapkan. Syarikat penerbangan komuniti, Flyfirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) hanya menerima tujuh daripada 10 buah pesawat enjin turboprop (kipas) ATR72-500 yang ditempahnya pada tahun lalu.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, meskipun menerima tujuh buah pesawat, operasi keseluruhan syarikat itu tidak terjejas.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya tidak berhasrat mengambil tindakan undang-undang ke atas syarikat pengeluar kapal terbang dari Perancis, ATR kerana pihaknya bertindak menggunakan budi bicaranya sendiri.

"Urusan dan operasi syarikat tetap berjalan seperti biasa dan ia tidak mengganggu aktiviti dan jadual yang diatur selama ini,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini baru-baru ini.

Pesawat ATR72-500 itu adalah sebagai menggantikan Fokker 50 (F-50) dan berharga RM50 juta sebuah.

Firefly mula beroperasi pada 2 April 2007 dengan menjadikan Wilayah Pembangunan Segi Tiga Indonesia, Malaysia dan Thailand sebagai kawasan operasinya.

Mengulas mengenai operasi syarikat pada musim perayaan, beliau berkata, pada musim perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri baru-baru ini, pihaknya mencatatkan faktor muatan 100 peratus yang menyaksikan syarikat penerbangan itu mengadakan penerbangan tambahan.

"Kami turut mencatatkan tempahan tempat duduk yang penuh sempena sambutan Tahun Baru Cina tahun depan untuk beberapa destinasi termasuk dari Singapura.

"Tempahan dari Singapura ke Subang sudah penuh buat masa ini untuk sambutan Tahun Baru Cina, sekali gus menunjukkan ramai orang ingin pulang ke Malaysia pada waktu perayaan itu,'' ujarnya.

Sebanyak 60 peratus penumpang Firefly merupakan pelanggan tetap iaitu di kalangan ahli perniagaan manakala 20 peratus lagi adalah mereka yang ingin balik kampung manakala 20 peratus lagi adalah pelancong.

[nazrey]

@ Singapore Budget terminal
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3983332078_a62cebd429_b.jpg

[nazrey]

From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3982562545_338ea7c41a_b.jpg

[nazrey]

Firefly 1 Million Target
Airline hopes to achieve passenger objective by the end of this year
Reena Raj Friday, November 27th, 2009 13:44:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Firefly Sdn Bhd is targeting to achieve one million passengers by the end of this year. As of Sept 2009, the carrier has managed to achieve 670,192 passengers.

Firefly's head of marketing and communications, Angelina C. Fernandez, in an exclusive interview with Mail Money said that for this year, they saw a 170 per cent increase in terms of passengers compared to last year.

Angelina also pointed out that the increase in passengers may also be due to its increased number of flights to Singapore.

The airline, which is also known as the "community airline", had in July launched its first flight to Singapore from the Skypark Subang terminal and now is servicing the route four times daily.

In September, Firefly took a step further when it decided to extend their connectivity to Singapore via Ipoh, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu.

"Changi Airport is the target market as it is a major transit point for various airlines, and our target is not only the locals but also tourists who use the airport to fly to other destinations," she said.

She added that apart from Subang, the three other States have good tourist attraction spots and Firefly has made travelling easier to these places.

Firefly provides routes to various points within Peninsular Malaysia, Southern Thailand and Sumatra in Indonesia, aligning itself with the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) agenda.
Angelina said currently 50 per cent of Firefly passengers are business and corporate travellers who travel on a shuttle basis. However, of late there has been a rise in passengers travelling on leisure.

"Ever since the increase in the leisure market, besides booking online using credit cards, we are also looking
at alternatives and varieties in mode of payment and booking via mobile, banking-in and also postal to make things easier for those who live in rural areas," she said.

For such added mode of payments, Angelina said that Firefly is in talks with various telecommunication
companies and banks to start the system next year.

When asked on plans for the airlines next year, Angelina said Firefly has expansion plans which will be carried out in stages.

She said the Phase One plan commenced in August this year and is expected to be completed next month.

She added that the fleet expansion to Singapore was under the Phase One plan.

Phase Two will commence in January next year and will end in the second quarter.The airline is operating with seven aircrafts and will be adding three more by next year which is part of the Phase Two plan.

Next year Angelina said the company is planning to strengthen their value-added services for customer satisfaction.

"We have launched new routes this year and next year we are aiming to improve services. We want to strengthen and try to cover all loopholes," she said.

When asked about the criteria to expand their flights, Angelina said they were looking at demand and also places which are a bit different from the normal routes other airlines are concentrating on.

She added that Firefly has the advantage as its 72-seater airplanes can land in airports with shorter runways.

The carrier operates under the two-year old FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Berhad.

[rizalhakim]

Firefly may take delivery of 3 new planes this year
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2010/01/06




COMMUNITY airline Firefly may take delivery of three new planes this year as demand for travel could recover.

The three planes were supposed to arrive last year but were deferred as a recession took its toll on business.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Eddy Leong said the airline will make a decision by the end of February.

"Subject to the delivery of the three additional aircraft, we will review the reinstatement of some suspended flights such as Kota Baru-Penang," he told Business Times yesterday.

Last year, Firefly announced the suspension of several flights operating out of the Penang International Airport.

They included flights from Penang to Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru, Koh Samui and Kuantan. Firefly had also suspended its Subang-Phuket flight.

Firefly now has seven ATR 72-500s.

"We are also looking at introducing the Subang-Hatyai route," he said, adding that Firefly has not initiated any traffic right applications to fly the proposed route and is currently at market research stage.

On plans for more flights into Singapore this year, Leong said: "We continue to work with the Kedah and Kelantan state governments to commence direct flights to Singapore, and much of which depends on refuelling facilities at the Alor Setar and Kota Baru airports".

Firefly also plans to start a second daily flight from Ipoh to Singapore.

When asked on the outlook of the aviation industry this year and how Firefly is expected to fare, Leong said: "Most industry players and observers expect 2010 to be more stable than 2009, although we may not necessarily see a drastic upswing.

"This is due to fuel cost which has been steadily rising since the last vertical dip to record lows, and we are viewing this with caution".

Firefly will continue to strengthen its position as a community airline, focusing on commuter traffic and connecting secondary cities and towns.

"Our inbound marketing efforts via code-share with MAS are beginning to show very positive results and we will push our yield and seat factor higher this year."

[nazrey]

Firefly Adds Fifth Daily Flight To Singapore
January 15, 2010 11:59 AM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama)--Firefly, which touts itself as a community airline, is increasing the frequency of its daily flights from Subang to Singapore, to cater to the current high demand.

A fifth flight is now open for sale and the service will commence from March 28, Firefly said in a statement today.

"High loads and strong demand for this route have encouraged us to add the fifth frequency flight," said Firefly's head of Marketing and Communications, Angelina Fernandez.

To celebrate the added frequency, firefly is offering a promotional fare from as low as RM100.

The current promotion also covers flights to all destinations from as low as RM50 and RM100 for domestic and international travel respectively.

The special fare offer runs from now until Jan 21 for the travel period from Jan 21 to Oct 30 this year.

Promotional seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and bookings made exclusively online via www.fireflyz.com.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, expects to carry 1.3 million passengers by the end of this year.

-- BERNAMA

[rizalhakim]

Firefly to announce phase 2 route expansion
Published: 2010/01/21

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines System Bhd, is set to announce its second phase of route network expansion by end of the first quarter this year.

FlyFirefly, operator of Firefly, the community airline, completed its first phase of route expansion last year.

It currently serves 16 cities in four countries, said Firefly Head of Marketing and Communications Angelina Fernandez.

Details of the second phase expansion and delivery of three ATR72-500 aircraft would be announced by Managing Director Datuk Eddy Leong, she told reporters after launching Firefly's new booking channel, Firefly Mobile Application.

Firefly planned to have 10 ATR72-500 aircraft and had already received seven such planes. However, the airline has delayed the delivery of three aircraft to this year due to the global economic crisis.

The Firefly Mobile Application is a convenient option for air travellers to book flights via mobile phone. It is an additional channel besides the website, call centre, ticketing offices and travel agents.

Angelina said Firefly expects a five per cent sales growth via website from 70 per cent currently by the first quarter of this year driven by increased website usage.

She said the Firefly Mobile was just the beginning and more features would be introduced this year like flight change details, flight check-in and expanding the services to travel agents.

Firefly Mobile Application is a free application that will work with most of the mobile phone supporting Java application and Blackberry and with WAP, GPRS, EDGE or 3G data connections.

Angelina said iPhone and Windows Mobile versions would be available soon. This system is jointly developed by Firefly and Second Wind Sdn Bhd.

To register and download the application, customers can visit http://www.fireflyz.com.my/mobile.

In conjunction with the launch, Firefly is offering RM1 fare for all flight bookings through mobile phone from today till Jan 28.- Bernama

[rizalhakim]

Fly for RM1 — and book tickets on your handphone
By YUEN MEIKENG and CARMEN TEOH


newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Travellers can now fly for as low as RM1 – and they can even book flights using their handphones.

Low-cost carrier Firefly is offering a promotion of RM1 for all flight bookings made over the handphones, using its new mobile application, until next Thursday.

The customer, who spends the most on mobile booking during this period, also stands a chance to win two tickets to Koh Samui in Thai*land.

Firefly marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said the service provided customers with an easy option to book flights via a simplified payment process by clicking a button.

“We have experienced exponential growth in mobile lifestyle over the last few years and mobile devices are a vital part of a traveller’s life,” she said during the launch of the application at the airline’s office in Subang here yesterday.

Fernandez said a latest survey by the airline also revealed that 70% of its sales were currently conducted through the Firefly website.

Firefly distribution head Lawrence Chai said the application had been downloaded close to 1,000 times since it was made available on Jan 1.

“The booking process can take as fast as under a minute. Any mobile phone can run the application as long as it has a GPRS connection and supports Java applications,” he said, adding that the application was free.

Customers must first register their handphones online and download the application from www.fireflyz.com.my/mobile. They may start booking after launching the application in their mobile phone.

Payment is made via credit card.

The system will then display the booking confirmation code, which is to be presented upon check-in.

For more information, log on to www.fireflyz.com.my.

[SHAH FIRDAUS]

Firefly terima anugerah Syarikat Penerbangan Nilai Terbaik

SYARIKAT penerbangan komuniti, Firefly meraih pengiktirafan dengan menggondol anugerah Syarikat Penerbangan Nilai Terbaik dalam kategori Pengangkutan Udara Komersial pada majlis berprestij Anugerah Aeroangkasa dan Pertahanan Forst & Sullivan Asia Pasifik 2010 di Singapura, semalam.

Anugerah tahunan itu memberi pengiktirafan kepada syarikat dan individu dalam industri pengangkutan udara yang mencatat prestasi cemerlang dalam operasi di seluruh Asia Pasifik.

Pengarah Urusan Firefly, Datuk Eddy Leong, berkata syarikat itu akan menyambut ulang tahun ketiga April ini berbangga mendapat pengiktirafan untuk pertumbuhan pesat dicatat pada peringkat awal operasinya.

"Kami percaya pencapaian ini disebabkan syarikat membawakan keseronokan dalam industri penerbangan," katanya.

[SHAH FIRDAUS]

From flickr
by calflier

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4343596666_73e7c4ffaa_b.jpg

[SHAH FIRDAUS]

Firefly Expects Revenue Increase With Launch Of Online Travel Portal

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Community airline Firefly expects to grow its auxiliary income contribution to revenue by 15 to 20 per cent with the launch of its wholly-owned Firefly Holidays, the country's first online travel portal.

Currently, the portal's auxiliary income accounted for five to eight per cent of the parent company's revenue, Firefly Holidays' head Lau Yin May told reporters after the portal's official launch here on Thursday.

Lau said the portal, which previously offered packages only to Firefly destinations, had now been extended its coverage to include more than 100 Malaysia Airlines worldwide destinations.

"When we first started with Firefly destinations, we got an average of 300 bookings a day. With the expansion of offerings, we hope we can grow four to five times in terms of volume as well as our auxiliary income," she said.

Malaysia Airlines' senior general manager of sales and marketing, Datuk Bernard Francis, said the airline as a group, together with Firefly and MasWings, have synergised their marketing strategies through the portal to promote their products.

Through the portal, customers are given flexibility to customise and select their preferred flight timings, hotels and complement their holidays with optional transfers and tours.

-- BERNAMA

[SHAH FIRDAUS]

http://www.fireflyholiday.com/

[rizalhakim]

Firefly offers flights from RM1


PETALING JAYA: Flight tickets from as low as RM1 to all Firefly destinations are up for grabs during the upcoming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) fair.

Firefly distribution head Lawrence Chai said travellers who booked their flight tickets via its recently launched Firefly Mobile application will be able to enjoy the special deals.

“We encourage travellers to sign up for the application which gives customers the special rates and provides them the convenience to book flights anytime, anywhere via mobile phone,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Firefly Holiday head Lau Yin May said customers could also choose from a large selection of travel packages, which included all domestic, Asean and international Malaysia Airlines destinations at the Firefly Holiday booth at the Matta Fair.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/5/nation/n_27firefly.jpg
Great deal: Firefly girls showing the holiday package promotion after the press conference yesterday. — Bernama

“Customers who spend more than RM6,000 will stand to win a Maxis-Blackberry mobile phone or a MAS ticket or a Firefly ticket.

“Any purchase worth more than RM2,000 will get an opportunity to win prizes,” she said.

International packages available at the fair include the London and Paris Tour with Eurostar (5D/4N) from RM4,699 and Tokyo Tour with Disneyland (6D/4N) from RM4,339.

Firefly marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said the airlines targeted to boost sales to RM1.5mil, a three-fold increase compared to last year.

[SHAH FIRDAUS]

From flickr
by mistyimages

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[rizalhakim]

Firefly menang Penerbangan Nilai Terbaik 2010


FLYFIREFLY Sdn Bhd (Firefly) memenangi Penerbangan Nilai Terbaik 2010 apabila berjaya mencatatkan jumlah jualan terbesar bagi pakej percutian ditawarkan sempena pembukaan pameran Matta yang berlangsung selama tiga hari berakhir semalam.

Ketua Pemasaran dan Komunikasinya, Angelina C Fernandez, berkata pihaknya berjaya merekodkan peningkatan jualan sebanyak 400 peratus yang turut disumbang oleh Firefly Holiday iaitu portal percutian dalam talian pertama negara.

Beliau berkata, sambutan orang ramai pada pameran tahun ini begitu menggalakkan dan ia antara yang terbaik pernah dicatatkan Firefly sejak menyertai Matta termasuk menawarkan pakej Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS).