FIREFLY (http://www.fireflyz.com.my/)

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/index.php

How to Book
You can book seats via our Call Centre (03 - 7845 4543) or our appointed Malaysia Airlines Ticketing Offices in:

Penang Kuala Lumpur Kota Bharu Kuala Terengganu Kuantan Langkawi Penang (PEN)
City Ticket Office
1st Floor Menara KWSP
38 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Penang

Tel: 04 217 6321 / 6323 / 6326

Operating Hours
Mon-Fri : 0830 -1730
Airport Ticket Office
Malaysia Airlines
Ticket Office, Bayan Lepas International
Airport,
11900 Bayan Lepas

Operating Hours
Daily : 0530 -2200


Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
City Ticket Office
Main Ticket Office, 0 level
PNB Building,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603 2165 5319

Operating Hours
Mon-Thu : 0900 - 1300
1400 - 1730
Fri : 0900 - 1230
1430 - 1700
Airport Ticket Office
KLIA Ticket Office
Level 3 (Arrival Level)
Main Terminal Building
Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Tel: 603 8776 4321

Operating Hours
Daily : 0400 - 2400


Kota Bharu (KBR)
City Ticket Office
Mezzanine Floor,
Kompleks Yakin,
Jalan Gajah Mati,
15050 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan Darul Naim

Tel: 09 773 0727

Operating hours
Sat - Thu : 0830 - 1730
Airport Ticket Office

Operating hours
Daily : 0530 - 2100


Kuala Terengganu (TGG)
City Ticket Office
Town Ticket Office
No.13 Jalan Sultan Omar,
20300 Kuala Terengganu,
Terengganu Darul Iman

Tel: 09 622 9279 / 09 666 4204

Operating hours
Sat - Thu : 0830 - 1730
Airport Ticket Office

Operating hours
Daily : 0700 - 2130


Kuantan (KUA)
City Ticket Office
Lot No. 7, Mezzanine Floor,
Wisma Persatuan Bolasepak Pahang,
Jalan Gambut, 25000 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur.

Tel: 09 538 4291

Operating hours
Mon - Fri : 0830 - 1730
Airport Ticket Office

Operating hours
1 hr before each flight departure


Langkawi (LGK)
Airport Ticket Office
Malaysia Airlines,
Langkawi International Airport,
07100 Padang Matsirat,
Langkawi,
Kedah Darul Aman

Tel: 04 955 6332

Operating hours
1 hr before 1st flight - 2130


For further enquiries, please contact us at: info@fireflyz.com.my

==============================

Firefly is Malaysia’s first community airline, offering safe, affordable and comfortable flying experience to exclusive travel routes, making flying with us a fun and smart choice for our guests.

We operate twice daily services out of Penang International Airport to Kota Bharu, Langkawi, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, and daily services to Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.

Firefly - What’s in the name:

Agile
Brilliant
Charm
Fun
Principal Office
FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd,
1st Floor, Admin Building 1,
Complex A, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport,
47200 Subang,
Selangor, Malaysia
Operation Centre
Firefly Operations Centre
Mezzanine Floor,
Bayan Lepas International Airport,
11900 Penang,
MALAYSIA
Management Team
Chief Executive Officer - Eddy Leong
Chief Financial Officer - Mohd Sukri Husin

============================================

Schedule

Day of Operation: Daily
Period of Operation: 02 Apr - 15 Jun 2007
Aircraft Type: F50


Penang - Kota Bharu
Depart Arrive
06:55 07:50
19:50 20:45


Kota Bharu - Penang
Depart Arrive
08:05 09:05
21:00 22:00


Penang - Langkawi
Depart Arrive
09:25 10:00
18:05 18:40


Langkawi - Penang
Depart Arrive
10:15 10:50
18:55 19:30


Penang - Kuantan
Depart Arrive
07:15 08:40
15:30 16:55


Kuantan - Penang
Depart Arrive
08:55 10:20
17:10 18:35


Penang - Kuala Terengganu *
Depart Arrive
11:10 12:25
19:00 20:15


Kuala Terengganu - Penang
Depart Arrive
12:40 13:55
20:30 21:45


Penang - Phuket
Depart Arrive
14:20 14:40


Phuket - Penang
Depart Arrive
15:30 17:40


Penang - Koh Samui *
Depart Arrive
11:30 12:00


Koh Samui - Penang
Depart Arrive
12:20 14:50

Notes:
* Starts on 15 Apr 2007
====================================



New Malaysian Airline to Bring More Tourists from Sweden
FIREFLY, Malaysia's latest airline will begin its operations from April 2.
by: Rapeepat Jumnongjit

Malaysia has request tour operators from Sweden to include Penang and Langkawi in Their tour packages to Thailand.

Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said this would be a win-win situation for tourists and Malaysia as they will get to see more places without much additional cost.
Lim said this synergy would be possible with Firefly Sdn Bhd, a 100% subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, which will take to the skies from April 2 and it will be based at the Penang International Airport.
The Firefly routes include Penang to Langkawi and also Penang to Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand. About 400,000 tourists from Sweden went to Thailand last year and Thai Airways flies from Stockholm to Bangkok daily.
For a start, Firefly will use two 50-seater Fokker planes to fly to Phukiet and Koh Samui seven times a week. And 14 times weekly to Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Langkawi.
MAS has three direct flights from Stockholm to KL International Airport every week.
"Our problem is always not enough seats," said Lim who was on a 12-day official trip to promote tourism in Europe.
He said he would speak to MAS to fly at least four to five times from Stockholm to KL International Airport weekly and increase this frequency during winter and summer which are peak periods for traveling out of Europe.
About 36,280 people from Sweden visited Malaysia last year. And Malaysia is targeting attract 50,000 tourists from Sweden this year.
“This connectivity will further boost tourist arrivals, particularly to achieve our 20 million targets during Visit Malaysia 2007,” says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.
“As well as enhance economic development within Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand growth area in the long term.”

==============================

i briefly checked their fees/tax for international flights...surprisingly...more expensive compared to Air Asia...

^^

call to the office just now....the fees and taxes are bout 90 something to Langkawi...wah beter use airasia:D


and Hello...all the moderators...szehoong, Baqthier...kindly arrange all the ''airport news'' cos there are alot of new threads about these news...hope u all can make it as 1 thread;)

^^

Oh really...i was thinking to book firfly to langkawi...now mayb change to AirAsia again...


and Hello...all the moderators...szehoong, Baqthier...kindly arrange all the ''airport news'' cos there are alot of new threads about these news...hope u all can make it as 1 thread;)


Wah Pablo, very rich ah... fly here fly there...:lol:

Wah Pablo, very rich ah... fly here fly there...:lol:

no la...cos got 2000 free ticket ma, and my fren got a voucher of 3 days 2 night in langkawi..and since everythng is free, so must grabe this chance lo..

haiz...but all the 2000 free tickets have given out liao...:(...now waiting u to sponser me:D:D

^^

call to the office just now....the fees and taxes are bout 90 something to Langkawi...wah beter use airasia:D

airasia have penang-langkawi flight??:?

Airasia oso got Penang-KK, KK-Penang...yea yea!!:banana: :banana: Penang, here I come!!!

Airasia oso got Penang-KK, KK-Penang...yea yea!!:banana: :banana: Penang, here I come!!!

weh taiko...u come here to kl first..then i treat u makan2....then we go jalan2 to penang lor..:cheers:

Aiyo Firefly apa inilah !!!Ini macam nama memang tarak ong one!!FIRE and FLY emm what the hell are they thinking!!!Then we have Asmara airline wow might as well be mile high club airlines!!Aiyo kita punya orang over creativelah
If i am airline operator based in penang my target would be sumatra ,phuket and koh so mui.

airasia have penang-langkawi flight??:?

dont hv..so waiting the airasia to set up the LCCT hub in penang lo...but i dont think is that soon....

Airasia oso got Penang-KK, KK-Penang...yea yea!!:banana: :banana: Penang, here I come!!!

wah! really ar??

i got this feeling like you travel quite a lot??

cos his mom is the travel agency;)

cos his mom is the travel agency;)

really? so nice....

weh taiko...u come here to kl first..then i treat u makan2....then we go jalan2 to penang lor..:cheers:

KL many times I went liao...too boring:lol:

Now is Penang!!! Hahaha....OK.:okay:

wah! really ar??

i got this feeling like you travel quite a lot??

Not really....I seldom travel with family, often with frenz.:)

cos his mom is the travel agency;)

Currently my mom at macau...she got free ticket from airasia. So damn good!!!!

KL many times I went liao...too boring:lol:

Now is Penang!!! Hahaha....OK.:okay:





if i bring u jalan2..sure not boring one taiko...:lol:

MAB is building wat I believe to be an additional tarmac for the Fokkker 50 near the private apron at Penang airport, some digging n laying of concrete pillars had started early this week.

MAB is building wat I believe to be an additional tarmac for the Fokkker 50 near the private apron at Penang airport, some digging n laying of concrete pillars had started early this week.

any photos? izzit the apron infront of the tower?

any photos? izzit the apron infront of the tower?

Around there,the apron in front of the tower is the private apron used by private and Air Force planes, the other day, the MAS F50 was parked enar the entrace of the private apron...the place is behind tht area and used to be a patch of green till early this week, thy had installed markers wif warning lights, and some tractors been laying some pillars there.

if i bring u jalan2..sure not boring one taiko...:lol:

Dun call me taiko ler...:bash:

If you guys happen to have the firefly airline's flight photo... remember to share oh...!!! thanks

KL many times I went liao...too boring:lol:

KL can boring one meh?? Shah Alam maybe lah :lol:

Now is Penang!!! Hahaha....OK.:okay:

1st time comming to Penang??

Not really....I seldom travel with family, often with frenz.:)

wah!! so nice!! how often is often??

Currently my mom at macau...she got free ticket from airasia. So damn good!!!!

your mom didn't ask you to go together??

KL can boring one meh?? Shah Alam maybe lah :lol:
1st time comming to Penang??wah!! so nice!! how often is often??your mom didn't ask you to go together??

Ayaaa...if you go KL everytimes...sure will boring one...coz oledy went all the places edi...yea, my 1st time go Penang...and I will be going to Penang with my frenz lo....how often is often??? Sorry to use the word "often", like everytimes I go travel I sure want to go wit frenz..more syok mah...Ayaaa...free ticket for my mom oni...and she go there "judi" de....hahaha...

Firefly's inaugural flight to Kuala Terengganu
Wednesday April 4, 2007


http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/4/nation/latestfireflyi.JPG

Firefly's inaugural flight arriving at Sultan Ismail Airport

By ANTHONY TAN on board the inaugural flight of the newly-launched Firefly airline to Kuala Trengganu.

IT is not often that commercial airline passengers get welcomed aboard the aircraft by the pilot.

On Firefly’s flight FY 3152 from Penang to Kuala Terengganu on Tuesday evening, Kapt Yussairi Ishak was at the top of the stairs of the 50-seater Fokker 50 aircraft to personally welcome passengers.

He was all smiles and in an upbeat mood.

He even greeted Chinese passengers with Ni How Ma? (How are you?) in Mandarin.

Seeing me carrying a copy of The Star, he happily pointed out that a picture of the Firefly was on the cover.

To get to the plane, we had to walk about 100m from the Penang International Airport terminal building.

The aero bridge cannot be used for the Fokker 50 as the plane is smaller.

The flight was manned by four crew members - two pilots and two cabin crew.

The seats are divided into two rows, with two seats on each side with an aisle down the centre.

The fabric-covered seats were comfortable, there was ample leg space and the overhead luggage compartments were big enough to hold our carry-on bags.

The interior reminded me of MAS planes as the colours looked the same.

But unlike the kebaya worn by MAS cabin crew, the cabin staff wore black T-shirts with the Firefly logo and brown trousers.

Our flight left on time at 7pm, followed shortly by the demonstration of safety equipment on board by one of the cabin crew.

There was an onboard announcement to say that no outside food and drinks are allowed on the plane.

Drinks and snacks are on sale aboard, ranging from RM1 to RM7.

We could see land throughout the flight except when it was cloudy as the plane cruised at about 15,000 feet above sea level.

The weather was bad shortly after our smooth take-off and we were told to have our seat belts fastened, but there was no strong turbulence.

There was one toilet on board at the front left of the plane.

We were pleasantly surprised when Kapt Yussairi announced at 7.35pm that we would arrive at Kuala Terengganu at 7.50pm, 25 minutes ahead of schedule!

He said we were flying at a speed of 470km per hour.

But by the time we landed, it was about 7.55pm as we had to circle over the South China Sea for the landing.

The plan landed smoothly at the Sultan Mahmud airport where we were welcomed by state officials and kompang beaters since it was the inaugural Firefly flight to Kuala Terengganu.

Direct flight joy
Wednesday April 4, 2007
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM
TheStar


http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/4/north/joy.jpg

All set:Media representatives and passengers onboard the
Fokker 50 for the inaugural flight from Penang to Kota Baru.

THE country’s first community airline, Firefly, has made its maiden flight from Penang to Kota Baru.

The FY3000, a 50-seater Fokker 50, carried 48 passengers including Malaysia Airlines ma-naging director Idris Jala, MAS and Firefly offi-cers and 17 media representatives.

It took off from the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas at 6.55am and arrived at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Baru at 7.50am. Firefly also flew from its hub in Pe-nang to Kuantan, Langkawi and Kuala Tereng-ganu yesterday.

The flights to Kuantan took off at 7.15am and 7.50pm while the flight to Langkawi and Kuala Terengganu left at 9.25am and 7pm res-pectively.

There are two flights daily to Kuantan, Kota Baru and Langkawi while there is only one flight to Kuala Terengganu.

The airline will make its international mai-den flights to Koh Samui and Phuket on April 13.

First-year medical student Yasmin Ilyas, 20, who was on board the plane, said she was re-lieved there was a direct flight from Penang to Kota Baru.

“Previously I had to take a bus from my hometown Penang to Kelantan where I am studying. The journey takes between seven and eight hours.

“But now I can fly direct. It is much more convenient,” said Yasmin, who is studying at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Health campus in Kubang Kerian.

A businessman, who wanted to be known only as Chan, said he was happy to be among the first to fly on the inaugural flight.

“Kota Baru is a very promising market for my business,” he said.

In Kota Baru, state Tourism Action Council general manager Sulaiman Ismail greeted the passengers who comprised businessmen, local residents and invited guests.

“We expect 50,000 foreign tourists who are visiting Penang to have a brief day trip to Kelantan this year,” he said.

Idris said the event was a mile-stone for MAS as Firefly, which is its wholly-owned subsidiary, was pois-ed to generate new revenue for the national airliner.

Barring technical hitches, he said the travel schedule would be consis-tent with flight delays kept at a mi-nimum.

He said Firefly would consider bu-ying new aircraft by next year if de-mand was good.

“Let us make it work first. Pre-viously small airliners such as Pelan-gi (Air) used to fly to Kota Baru but it could not sustain. We want to en-sure it becomes a successful ven-ture,” he said.

Idris said if the venture was successful, Firefly planned to fly to northern Sumatra in Indonesia and more routes in southern Thai-land.

so..in term of quality of service,which one better ? Firefly or AirAsia ?

judge from the pic...feel that firefly is more comfortable than air asia:)

But noisy lor :(

judge from the pic...feel that firefly is more comfortable than air asia:)

But I feel that Firefly is so cramped....

is it...air asia a row 6 seats..hmm..let me post a pic of air asia here when i go back:D

cannot compare liao..fokker 50 seat 2-2 and 737/A320 is 3-3...based on my experienced flying onboard F50 many2 yrs ago...its a bit cramped since its a turboprop....

^^ I agree...Airasia one so sempit and I saw the firefly one oso sempit la...

Got one time I ride Airasia and saw a very giant fat guy...he barely cant sit the seat...well, you noe, after fews minutes baru he can manage to sit down...I saw his perut touch in front of his seat...kesian...

want seat besar besar...naik MAS lah...haiyoo...why people always demanding ah..?
u got what u've paid!!..and that is what airasia+firefly passengers deserve for..
btw, im thinking of having a trip to penang via firefly...is that a smart idea?:D

^^
We didnt complain the plane la...we just comapre these two low-cost flight;)

yaya...very good idea to fly to Penang, and u'll be the No1 skyscrapercity forumer to ride firefly:D

^^
^^
yalor..only compare..suddenly wanna snap..apa la...looking forward to fly with firefly...:D

^^
^^
^^

No...is not a smart idea.

Firefly colonies declining along Kuantan riverbanks
Monday April 9, 2007
By SIMON KHOO
TheStar


KUANTAN: A local tour operator has raised concerns over the dwindling colonies of fireflies along Sungai Kuantan and Sungai Belat near here.

Leisure Boating Centre Sdn Bhd proprietor Loo Jen Yeh said since he started commercial operations in April 2005, the firefly colonies had dropped by between 30% and 40%.

He said if nothing was done to preserve the natural environment for the insects, they would soon vanish.

“There used to be many colonies of fireflies within a 1km stretch along Sungai Belat.

“All that’s now left is just a fraction of it and that too is scattered and not centralised,” he said after leading a group of pressmen on a tour along the river recently.

The guided tour was arranged by Inderapura assemblyman Shafik Fauzan Sharif, who expressed similar worries over the phenomenon.

Shafik also attended the tour to see for himself what could be done to preserve the natural habitat of the insects.

“I have spoken to the local council to conduct a study on the areas, including preventing catamarans from passing through.

“Hopefully, this will enable the existing colonies to flourish and remain as a tourist attraction,” he said.

Loo said the insects cling to the berembang tree, a type of mangrove tree that grows wildly along the river bank.

“Fireflies need a damp and swampy environment to live in and the berembang trees provide food for these insects.

“They suck the juice from the leaves as food,” he said, adding that the whole journey to and fro, approximately 15km from the jetty in Medan Feri, Tanah Putih Baru, took about an hour.

Loo said the tour had ceased operations temporarily as the local council was upgrading the jetty.

“By June, it shall be in full swing again,” he said..

For more details, Loo can be contacted at 09-515 0626 or 012-295 2789.

^^ that has nothing to do with the airlines:?:?

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5305/wobblepf9.gif http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5305/wobblepf9.gif http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5305/wobblepf9.gif

:D

ha ha ha...didn't know nazrey is quite a funnyman....:lol:

Yelah, firefly yang besar dah sampai, jadi firefly yang kecik pun blah la... :D

Tambang Firefly taklah mahal sangat. Patutnye gunelah B737 barulah macho :D

i was like...huh..firefly fly to riverbank???:? :D:D:D:D:D

Scary huh...

Nothing funny rite??

Firefly makes maiden flight to Phuket
Monday April 16, 2007
By K. SUTHAKAR
TheStar


MALAYSIA'S first community airline Firefly arrived in Phuket to a rousing welcome on Thai New Year (better known as Songkran) on its maiden international flight.

The direct flight has created ex-citement among Phuket hoteliers and tour operators since the last such flight was more than 20 years ago.

Flight FY 3600 took off from the Penang International Airport at 2.20pm on Friday and touched down at the Phuket International Airport at 3.30pm (2.30pm Thai time), 10 minutes ahead of sche-dule.

The 50-seater Fokker 50, carried 47 passengers, including hoteliers, tour operators, tour agents and members of the press. It also carried 25 passengers who paid for their tickets.

On board the flight were Firefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong, Cititel managing director Datuk Eric Lim and Penang Tourism Action Council acting general mana-ger Bobby Tan.

On arrival, the group were gar-landed by representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Also present were representatives of Malaysia Airlines and Firefly.

Phuket, known as the Pearl of the Andaman, is the largest and most visited island in Thailand.

The island, which is the size of Singapore, is one of the most popu-lar holiday destinations in South-East Asia.

Leong said the response to the inaugural flight was good.

“We had to ask 14 tourists who wanted to travel with us to take a MAS flight from Penang to Phuket via Kuala Lumpur because of limited seats,” he said.

Leong said since Firefly launched its operations on April 3, the flights had taken off and arrived 99% on time.

The airline, currently operates flights on a daily basis from Penang to Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Te-rengganu and Kuantan.

Yesterday, the airline flew to Koh Samui for the first time.

Leong said the one-way ticket to Phuket ranges from RM39 to RM179 and Koh Samui from RM39 to RM199.

Tickets can be purchased via Firefly’s website www.fireflyz.com. my, its call centre 03-78454543 or through MAS ticketing agents.

Firefly to take over rural air services
April 26 2007
BusinessTimes


HARDLY a month in operations, low-cost domestic and regional carrier Firefly has been asked by the government to take over the rural air services (RAS) operations in Sabah and Sarawak from Fly Asian Xpress (FAX).

FAX, which is owned by some of the shareholders of AirAsia, had proposed on April 17 to return the loss-making RAS to the government as it wants to focus on its long-haul operations through AirAsiaX, which is scheduled to begin in September.

It took over the 22 routes in Sabah and Sarawak from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) under the domestic aviation rationalisation exercise hardly nine months ago, which saw some of the national carrier’s profitable domestic routes being shared with AirAsia.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, in announcing the cabinet decision here yesterday, said his ministry and Finance Ministry would work out the details of the handing-over operations.

“Until the handover is finalised, FAX will continue to operate the service,” Chan said at the ministry’s post-cabinet press conference.

No timeline has been given for the transfer of operations.

It is understood that some of the issues relate to the transfer of government subsidy for the RAS and the fate of FAX staff affected by the move.

Chan also gave the assurance that the government would continue to subsidise the RAS when it is managed by Firefly, a subsidiary of MAS.

The subsidy given is between RM50 million and RM70 million a year.

FAX chief executive officer Raja Mohamad Azmi Raja Razali had mixed feelings about the announcement.

“I am happy that we are now able to focus on our core product, which is AirAsiaX but sad as to what will happen to our 260-strong staff in the RAS service,”he said.

He added that the company was looking at either absorbing the staff into Air-Asia or asking Firefly to take them on board.

Latest:
Firefly t o start rural routes 'as soon as possible'
April 27 2007


THE federal government has given an assurance that Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) no-frills carrier, Firefly, will start its rural air services (RAS) operations in Sarawak and Sabah “as soon as possible’.

Sarawak’s Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said this was conveyed to him by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy recently.

Wong, however, said the exact time frame has not been decided yet.

Speaking to reporters after launching “Titian Seni Sabah dan Sarawak"

arts exhibition in Kuching today, Wong hopes that when Firefly takes over the RAS, the problem of interlining of air services, which have been a major problem in the tourism sector in rural areas in Sarawak would be solved.

“The interlining of air services is the key area of the tourism sector that allows international tour operators and travel agents to offer a full package to various destination in Sarawak,” he said.

Wong said RAS should not be treated as a “dollar and cents” issue but rather the federal government’s social obligation. - Bernama

Firefly can operate from Subang airport
Thursday June 14, 2007
By SIM LEOI LEOI
TheStar


PUTRAJAYA: Low-cost carrier Firefly has received the green light to operate from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang but will only be permitted to fly domestic routes currently not serviced by AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said that in a decision by the Cabinet “a few weeks ago”, Firefly, which currently flies out of the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas, could move to Subang anytime.

“For example, Firefly can operate flights on turbo-prop aircraft from Subang to Ipoh or Malacca, which are at present not serviced by AirAsia or MAS. It’s up to Firefly to decide.

“The ministry will not force any destination on Firefly as this is entirely a business consideration. However, any proposal from Firefly will have to be approved by the ministry,” he told reporters after presenting excellence service awards to staff members at the ministry here yesterday.


Model workers: Chan (left) checking out Wan Kamal Wan Embong’s excellence service award while Mohd Ghazali Aman and Siti Ishah Shamsudin (right) look at theirs.
Firefly, which is a subsidiary of MAS, currently flies from Penang to Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan as well as Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand. It operates two 50-seater Fokker aircraft.

Chan had said earlier that the ministry was considering allowing Firefly to operate out of Subang in response to a call by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor that the low-cost carrier be allowed to do so as one way of spurring domestic tourism.

“Firefly has also put in a proposal to operate out of the Senai and the Kota Kinabalu airports, which we are still looking into,” he said.

Firefly’s managing director Eddy Leong said: “Firefly is delighted with the Government’s approval for it to operate from Subang. Although the current restrictions mean that it can only fly to Ipoh, Maalcca and Kerteh from Subang, Firefly will continue to engage the Government for approvals to operate more domestic and regional routes that will benefit the community it serves.

“MAS is confident that Firefly will obtain such approvals in view of its continuous support of the Government’s efforts to improve air links, especially in East Malaysia where MAS is now in the process of taking over the Rural Air Service operations from FAX despite the poor conditions of the aircraft and operations.

“Operating from Penang, Subang and Johor Baru will complete Firefly's objective of being Malaysia’s first community airline providing safe, affordable and comfortable air links for the communities it serves.”

Group chief executive officer of AirAsia Datuk Tony Fernandes said: “We have no objections on Firefly flying from Subang. These will be propeller-based aircraft only and will service destinations not served by AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. This is good for communities that are not served by the national premium airline and the national low cost airline.

“We support the move by the Government. It is good now that there is a national turboprop operator that can serve communities that jet aircraft can’t.”

Chan said the Government has also decided to invite private jet operators to set up base at Subang’s Terminal 3 or make it their transit point in Asia in an effort to turn the terminal into a general aviation hub.

“Malaysia’s edge over other countries in the region is that it is centrally located, and that Terminal 3 has very good runway and support facilities.”

He said the demand for private jet operations and chartered flights in the region was rising.

“We are talking to a few private jet operators in the United States, Europe and Australia for them to come to Subang or make it their transit point for fuel, logistic purposes and maintenance.

“At the same time, we will be carrying out some upgrading work at Terminal 3 to make it more conducive, with more facilities,” he said.

^^^

flight to IPH makes sense to me...how about MKZ? any demand?

^^ Wow KL -- Melaka.... mesti best kan.... lagi best kalau guna B747 .... ai mesti akan naik punyelah ! :banana:

^^ Wow KL -- Melaka.... mesti best kan.... lagi best kalau guna B747 .... ai mesti akan naik punyelah ! :banana:

Why stop at B747? Y dun u propose they fly A380 or better still lease the An-225 Mriya to fly KL--Melaka.. :lol:

^^ Wow KL -- Melaka.... mesti best kan.... lagi best kalau guna B747 .... ai mesti akan naik punyelah ! :banana:

mana muat airport melaka.

MAS Purchases 20 ATR 72-500s Aircraft For Firefly

June 25, 2007 23:03 PM
ROME, June 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Avion de Transport Regional (ATR) today signed an agreement for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s turbo prop aircraft for MAS' subsidiary, Firefly.

The contract is worth about US$360 million, with a list price of about US$18.3 million per unit.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi witnessed the signing of the agreement at Villa Madama here. The leaders earlier had held bilateral talks.

Signing on behalf of MAS was its Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz while ATR was represented by its Chairman of the Board, Filippo Bagnato.

Speaking to reporters later, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said the contract was for the purchase of 10 72-seater ATR aircraft plus an option for another 10 aircraft.

"The purchase of the aircraft is for the use of Firefly which has gone into its expansion phase," he said.

Firefly, he said would be operating from its hubs in Penang, Subang, Johor Baharu and Kota Kinabalu.

Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said the first delivery of two to three of the ATR aircraft was expected in October next year.

The aircraft would eventually replace the two Fokker 50, which is now being operated by Firefly, he added.

ATR is jointly owned by Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica) and EADS.

Finmeccanica in a statement released here said that this was the first time that the Malaysian national carrier was purchasing an ATR aircraft.

Its brand new ATR 72-500s fleet will enable the airline to open new routes across Malaysia, it said.

These aircraft will be equipped with the "Elegance" cabin, Light Emitting Diode (LED), In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) and ETOPS 120, as well as the latest technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation tools, it added.

it's one of the most technologically advanced turboprop around. Cebu Pacific also purchased 20 for their operation.

YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!! New airplane!!!!

I dont know they're ETOPS 120 certified. I thought they gonna buy jets and going Silk Air route.

if firelfy to set up hub at BKI...possibly flight to Philippines? that would be so cool...why KCH is not in the list....:(

yes..immediate vicinity includes zamboanga international, general santos, and davao. Possible long term destinations maybe to Manado in Kalimantan and balikpapan.

maybe they will leave kuching operation to MAS wings. because firefly is not subsidised and set up by MAS to run rural route. their aim is to make money. For "charity" work, leave it to maswings.

Malaysian Armed Forces and Maritime Enforcement Agency should get some ATRs as maritime patrol aircrafts.

Firefly to operate from 3 more domestic hubs

KUALA LUMPUR: Community airline Firefly has been given the approval to operate domestic and international networks out of Subang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.
The airline, which was launched in April as part of Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) business turnaround plan, is currently operating from its existing hub in Penang.

MAS managing director and Firefly chairman Datuk Idris Jala said the decision was definitely in the interest of its customers and the Malaysian public.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the airline would commence twice daily flights between Subang and Penang effective Oct 29 with bookings available online from Friday.

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/fireflysubang.jpg (http://www.fireflyz.com.my/)

^^ the timing is so perfect...SZB-PEN at 0820...AK..watch out..

Uhhh...finally firefly flying to KK!!! :D When??

now is the time to reinvest in the Subang airport...regularly scheduled flights will make a big difference :)

m would like to see trains running along the KTM branch line, a direct link to KL Sentral...and extend the Kelana Jaya LRT to the airport....

Cheers, m

Firefly to operate from 3 more domestic hubs

KUALA LUMPUR: Community airline Firefly has been given the approval to operate domestic and international networks out of Subang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.
The airline, which was launched in April as part of Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) business turnaround plan, is currently operating from its existing hub in Penang.

MAS managing director and Firefly chairman Datuk Idris Jala said the decision was definitely in the interest of its customers and the Malaysian public.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the airline would commence twice daily flights between Subang and Penang effective Oct 29 with bookings available online from Friday.

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/fireflysubang.jpg (http://www.fireflyz.com.my/)

Sheer double standard and hypocrisy. They gave Air Asia a million excuses for not allowing them to operate out of SZB and now they are allowing Firefly to do that. Didnt the Transport Minister say that KL is too small to accomodate two airports?

Sheer double standard and hypocrisy. They gave Air Asia a million excuses for not allowing them to operate out of SZB and now they are allowing Firefly to do that. Didnt the Transport Minister say that KL is too small to accomodate two airports?

Hey Globo, Lu ho bo??

Anyways, Berjaya Air has always flown from SZB even after KLIA opened and AK shifted there.

Considering Berjaya has more flights than Firefly out of SZB, uses comparable aircraft, I don't think it's hypocrisy or double standards, simply because at present firefly is more closer to Berjaya in terms of operations than Air Asia.

Comparison:

Firefly uses a 50 seater Fokker 50 and flies only to penang at 2x daily
Berjaya Air uses a 48 Seater Dash 7 and flies to 5 destinations at most up to 6 x daily.

I'd say it's double standard, Hypocrisy if Firefly flies the route from Subang with aircraft that's similar capacity to Air Asia..

^^ That's true.

Anyway guyz... what do you think about shifting all MH and AK's Kuantan, Penang, and JB operations to Subang ? They can reintroduce Ipoh too :banana:

^^ doesnt make sense to me...better stick to one hub..

Hey Globo, Lu ho bo??

Anyways, Berjaya Air has always flown from SZB even after KLIA opened and AK shifted there.

Considering Berjaya has more flights than Firefly out of SZB, uses comparable aircraft, I don't think it's hypocrisy or double standards, simply because at present firefly is more closer to Berjaya in terms of operations than Air Asia.

Comparison:

Firefly uses a 50 seater Fokker 50 and flies only to penang at 2x daily
Berjaya Air uses a 48 Seater Dash 7 and flies to 5 destinations at most up to 6 x daily.

I'd say it's double standard, Hypocrisy if Firefly flies the route from Subang with aircraft that's similar capacity to Air Asia..



I do concur with you it is not a hypocritical move in terms of seat capacity.However, Berjaya Airlines only flies routes that are not served by Air Asia and MAS eg Koh Samui, Tioman. Firefly will be entering one of the most if not the most lucrative domestic route in Malaysia , Penang-Kuala Lumpur(which is already served by MAS and Air Asia). Firefly is bound to have an unfair advantage because Subang is so much closer to KL.

I do concur with you it is not a hypocritical move in terms of seat capacity.However, Berjaya Airlines only flies routes that are not served by Air Asia and MAS eg Koh Samui, Tioman. Firefly will be entering one of the most if not the most lucrative domestic route in Malaysia , Penang-Kuala Lumpur(which is already served by MAS and Air Asia). Firefly is bound to have an unfair advantage because Subang is so much closer to KL.

Actually, thats very true.

I do concur with you it is not a hypocritical move in terms of seat capacity.However, Berjaya Airlines only flies routes that are not served by Air Asia and MAS eg Koh Samui, Tioman. Firefly will be entering one of the most if not the most lucrative domestic route in Malaysia , Penang-Kuala Lumpur(which is already served by MAS and Air Asia). Firefly is bound to have an unfair advantage because Subang is so much closer to KL.I do not think that this is a hypocritical move...and, Firefly should be allowed to offer a competitive service on this lucrative "KL"-Penang Route.

Like I said, I would even support the construction of an airport express train linking KL Sentral to Subang airport...and you know what, I dont think this is going to hurt Air Asia that much...

Besides, another worthy point is the noise and vibration levels. I live and work under the flight path of the Subang Airport, and there is a definite effect when the jets fly over....

So I (and many of my neighbours) would not want regularly scheduled jet services to come back to Subang...propellor planes are a different story tho...

Cheers, m

now is the time to reinvest in the Subang airport...regularly scheduled flights will make a big difference :)

m would like to see trains running along the KTM branch line, a direct link to KL Sentral...and extend the Kelana Jaya LRT to the airport....

Cheers, m

I don't know about this.

Here's my take on it, my ideas.

I'd like all flights to move to KLIA. Even the MRO and Engineering facilities. Transmile cargo operations. Concentrate major aviation activities in one place to develop KLIA into a hub.

Subang Airport should be strictly a military airbase. All the Sungai Besi RMAF assets moved to there. There's room for basing fighter squadrons too.

Then Upgrade, redevelop and turn Sungai Besi Airport to that similar to London City Airport. Prop flights, using STOL aircraft such as Firefly and Berjaya Air should fly out of Sungai Besi Airport. Private jets should use Sungai Besi Airport too.

Actually Sungai Besi Airport has a larger runway than London City

http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=UK28936&sch=EGLC
http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=MY65050&sch=WMKF

There's the ERL that runs exactly next to Sungai Besi Airport, so an Airport train station can easily be incorporated.

It would be great to have an inner city airport like London, for the purpose of regional flights with STOL aircraft. Might as well let Firefly and Berjaya serve from Sungai Besi anyways instead of Subang.

I don't know about this.

Here's my take on it, my ideas.

I'd like all flights to move to KLIA. Even the MRO and Engineering facilities. Transmile cargo operations. Concentrate major aviation activities in one place to develop KLIA into a hub.

Subang Airport should be strictly a military airbase. All the Sungai Besi RMAF assets moved to there. There's room for basing fighter squadrons too.

Then Upgrade, redevelop and turn Sungai Besi Airport to that similar to London City Airport. Prop flights, using STOL aircraft such as Firefly and Berjaya Air should fly out of Sungai Besi Airport. Private jets should use Sungai Besi Airport too.

Actually Sungai Besi Airport has a larger runway than London City

http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=UK28936&sch=EGLC
http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=MY65050&sch=WMKF

There's the ERL that runs exactly next to Sungai Besi Airport, so an Airport train station can easily be incorporated.

It would be great to have an inner city airport like London, for the purpose of regional flights with STOL aircraft. Might as well let Firefly and Berjaya serve from Sungai Besi anyways instead of Subang.
now that, in itself, is a good idea....reusing existing infrstructure is necessary to build success...And having all the main MRO and passenger and cargo facilities at KLIA would also be a good idea....not to mention the airport rail connection....

of course, it would cost some money to build the new terminal and new station...and shift the RMAF and police air wings out.

But the museums could be relocated to the Subang Airport...it could be turned into the aerospace centre...include all the military and aerospace functions there...

but it is more likely that Sg. Besi airport will be turned over to private interests for some more redevelopment...

Cheers, m

now that, in itself, is a good idea....reusing existing infrstructure is necessary to build success...And having all the main MRO and passenger and cargo facilities at KLIA would also be a good idea....not to mention the airport rail connection....

of course, it would cost some money to build the new terminal and new station...and shift the RMAF and police air wings out.

But the museums could be relocated to the Subang Airport...it could be turned into the aerospace centre...include all the military and aerospace functions there...

but it is more likely that Sg. Besi airport will be turned over to private interests for some more redevelopment...

Cheers, m

Yes, the museums moved there is another good idea, we can have like a Malaysian version of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in DC.

I find plans for Subang airport too be too haphazard, like the politicians just don't know what to go with it. An Air base, MRO and heavy engineering facilities, flight school, prop commercial flights, cargo center, private jet airport, exhibition center, auction center. It's trying to be too many things.

It would be great to have Sungai Besi set up in such a way. Sure there has to be investments, the terminal, the airport landing facilities itself (doesn't have ILS). But compared to further investments planned for Subang, this would surely be a worse scenario, bad planning. The extension of the train line to Subang airport would undoubtedly be more expensive to build, since Sungai Besi airport actually has a train line next to, it would just be a matter of adding a train stop perhaps.

Also Just like London city Airport in London, Sungai Besi airport can actually also claim to be the only KL airport to be actually in KL.

Perhaps someone should start writing to politicians about it? It would be sad if the airport was redeveloped into another mall or another feature that it already has.

This article was printed from www.theedgedaily.com.
Article's URL: http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_c5c6419c-cb73c03a-17ebe660-2b7fcef8,
---------------------------

22-10-2007: Victory for MAS with Firefly to fly from 4 hubs

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


THE government’s approval for Malaysian Airline System Bhd’s (MAS) subsidiary Firefly to operate domestic and international networks from four hubs in the country is seen as a victory given that it could now fly to any destination it desires, said OSK Investment Research.

With the government approval, Firefly will expand its services to serve from its existing Penang hub, Subang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.

The research house said: “It would appear as if MAS has won this round of political lobbying given the government’s earlier decision to allow it to fly out of Subang only to destinations not served by either MAS or AirAsia.

“Given that AirAsia flies five times daily to Penang while MAS flies 13 times daily, we believe Firefly is now free to fly to any destination it desires.

“As to the question of the rationale for such a move by the government, we believe AirAsia will probably cry foul over this issue and raise the duopoly issue on the Kuala Lumpur-Changi route again.�

OSK Research said the 12 domestic and 13 regional routes to be flown out of Subang were larger than what it had earlier expected, adding that it had anticipated Firefly to reach Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru and Alor Star from Subang.

“But with the larger-than-expected number of routes, it may well fly to the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. The same goes for its larger-than-expected number of routes for Johor Bahru.

“As for the international routes, Firefly may well serve the destinations of Phuket, Koh Samui, Medan, Padang and Batam from Subang as well,� it said.

OSK Research said to serve the larger-than-expected network, Firefly is ordering more planes that originally announced, from a conditional order of 10 ATR72s to 20 ATR72s, each at US$18.3 million (RM62.22 million).

The research house said it believed that the demand for Firefly flights from Subang will be very strong from Klang Valley passengers, especially once it starts flying more routes to Johor Bahru and the East Coast states.

“The greater-than-expected routes for Firefly lead us to revise up our FY08 domestic available seat kilometres (ASK) numbers for MAS and our net profit forecasts by 3%. Given that turbo-prop planes are more fuel efficient, the increase in ASK will not be matched by a similar increase in fuel price. “This increases our fair value to RM6.40 from RM6.20 previously,� it said.

The research house however bumped down yields for AirAsia in FY08 by 0.5%, thereby reducing net profit estimates for the low-cost carrier by 1.5%, and dropping its fair value to RM1.92 from RM1.99.

OSK Research maintained its Buy and Neutral recommendations on MAS and AirAsia respectively.

--- end ---

Perhaps someone should start writing to politicians about it? It would be sad if the airport was redeveloped into another mall or another feature that it already has.Do I have your permission to spread this idea (with credit to you of course)?

Cheers, m

Do I have your permission to spread this idea (with credit to you of course)?

Cheers, m

By all means, please do. :) It would be nice if the idea gets off the ground. You can all attest that it started on this forum.

Firefly takes off from Subang on Oct 29
Updated : 24-10-2007
Media : The Edge


KUALA LUMPUR: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd¡¦s community airline FireFly will start operating twice daily flights between Subang and Penang effective from Oct 29.

The company said on Tuesday that the new route would provide travellers a more convenient and cost effective option.

¡§Departures from Penang for Subang are at 7am and 7.30pm while return flights to Penang are from 8.20am and 8.50pm. This schedule will cater to day-trippers planning for flights out in the morning and for return flights in the evening,¡¨ it said.

To commemorate the launch of this new route, Firefly said that it was offering a one-way introductory air fare starting from RM9.99 on a limited basis. Tickets can be booked online at www.fireflyz.com.my as well as at Firefly¡¦s call centre (03-7845 4543), its flagship sales office in Komtar Penang, selected Malaysia Airlines offices and appointed travel agents.

For residents in the Klang Valley, they could purchase their tickets at Terminal 3 of the Subang Airport.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong described the new route as a welcome development for Firefly, as demand for air travel was increasing especially to the northern states.

¡§With Subang in the picture, we can now connect passengers of central Peninsular Malaysia to their destinations up north at affordable prices and convenient timings,¡¨ he said.

Meanwhile, government agencies can now book and make payments using Government of Malaysia (GOM) travel warrants. This will benefit frequent duty travellers from government agencies as it will make travelling more accessible and easy to process.

Launched in April this year, Firefly¡¦s current routes cater to the northern parts of the country with Penang as its hub. Flying in and out of Penang to Subang, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Kuantan and Langkawi, the airline also serves regional destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand.

MAS to buy 10 ATR72-500 aircraft for Firefly
26 Oct 2007 11:04 AM
THEEDGE


KUALA LUMPUR: National carrier Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) is buying 10 ATR72-500 aircraft from Avions De Transport Regional, GIE (ATR) for the operations of its subsidiary airline, Firefly.

In a statement yesterday, MAS said it had entered into a sale and purchase agreement with ATR on Wednesday to buy the aircraft plus an option to purchase another 10 more.

It also said the catalogue price of the aircraft is US$18.3 million (RM62.22 million) for deliveries in 2007.

Firefly may fly to Singapore
Tuesday October 30, 2007
TheStar


SUBANG: Now that AsiaAsia can fly to Singapore, national carrier Malaysia Airlines’ subsidiary Firefly may follow suit.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said that the Government “would certainly give serious consideration” for the national carrier’s subsidiary to fly to the republic from its hub in Subang.

It was a bilateral issue and he would have to raise the matter with his Singapore counterpart at the Asean Transport Ministers Meeting on Thursday, he told newsmen after receiving Firefly’s inaugural flight from Penang, which arrived at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport here at 8am yesterday.

The Cabinet last week agreed to give no-frills carrier AirAsia and Singapore’s Tiger Airways Pte Ltd the go-ahead to start flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

MAS expressed disappointment over the opening of the KL-Singapore route on a limited basis and had asked that its 100%-owned Firefly be allowed to fly to Singapore from Subang.

Chan said that the decision to allow Firefly to operate from Subang was an extension of the Government’s earlier policy of only allowing turbo propeller aircraft to operate at the airport.

“After we moved (airlines operations) to KL International Airport, the Government continuously enhanced its position as a hub. But we allowed some operations by turbo propeller aircraft at the Subang airport, such as Berjaya Air,” he said when asked why Firefly was allowed to fly from Subang when an earlier request by rival AirAsia was rejected.

Firefly started operations six months ago, flying from Penang to Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Phuket and Koh Samui. Effective yesterday, it commenced twice daily flights between Subang and Penang.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said that the Government had also given it the green light to operate from Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu, adding that Firefly now could link up with many domestic destinations and cities in Indonesia and southern Thailand.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said that refurbishment of the Subang airport would be completed in December.

Govt to consider giving Firefly Subang-S’pore route
by Gan Yen Kuan, 30 Oct 2007 10:57 AM
THEEDGE


SUBANG: The government would consider the request by Firefly — the low-cost carrier (LCC) operated by Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) — to fly to Singapore from Subang, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

“We will give very serious consideration to this appeal from Firefly, but again, this is a bilateral issue. We need to talk to the Singaporean authorities.

“I will certainly bring this up with my (Singapore) counterpart later this week (during the Asean Transport Ministers meeting in Singapore),” Chan told reporters after witnessing Firefly’s inaugural Penang-Subang flight at the Subang airport yesterday.

Firefly is operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MAS. Two weeks ago, the government allowed Firefly to operate out of Subang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, apart from its existing hub in Penang.

On the competition between MAS and AirAsia Bhd in the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route, Chan said: “I don’t see any negative impact. They (MAS and AirAsia) have their own business plans… There is always competition. MAS has its own way to face all kinds of competition.”

Last week, AirAsia was given the nod by the Cabinet to fly to Singapore twice daily out of its hub at the LCC Terminal in Sepang.

MAS had subsequently expressed its disappointment with the “premature”, though limited, opening of the KL-Singapore route, saying the design of its business turnaround plan (BTP) was premised on the Asean open skies roadmap that comes into play only on Jan 1, 2009.

With AirAsia’s imminent entry into the KL-Singapore segment, MAS managing director Datuk Seri Idris Jala had said MAS would have to fast-track its activities under the BTP to put the national carrier on a strong growth path to ensure sustained profitability.

AirAsia still needs to obtain the bilateral rights before it can start operating the money-making KL-Singapore route, which is currently dominated by MAS and Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Asked if Subang airport would be made an LCC hub, Chan said the government would continue its policy of allowing only turboprop commercial aircraft to operate out of Subang airport, in line with the country’s objective to develop Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as the regional aviation hub in the long term.

“… even when there were subsequent requests for Subang to be opened again as an LCC airport, the government invested in an LCC terminal in KLIA to ensure all commercial jet operations were integrated at Malaysia’s prime gateway,” he said in his speech earlier.

This puts to rest AirAsia’s request to turn Subang airport into an LCC terminal as its current fleet of aircraft is entirely made up of jet aircraft, unless it decides to operate turboprop commercial aircraft.

Besides Firefly, Berjaya Air also operates out of Subang airport to Koh Samui, Pangkor, Redang and Tioman islands.

Meanwhile, Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said it would see delivery of 20 new aircraft beginning 3Q08 — three in 2008, seven in 2009, four in 2010, and six in 2011.

With the delivery of the new aircraft, he said it would start flying out of Johor Bahru in 2009, and later out of Kota Kinabalu, likely under collaboration with its sister airline MASWings, which operates the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad, who was also present at the event yesterday, said the initial stage of Subang airport’s refurbishment would be completed in December.

The government had agreed that Terminal 3 would be used for general aviation purposes under the plan to redevelop Subang airport into the Malaysia International Aerospace Centre (MIAC), he said.

“We’ve already decided to renovate this terminal. Since Firefly wanted to start their operations immediately, we have allowed them to use the terminal whilst we are undergoing this renovation,” he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the MIAC at Subang airport in August 2005. Bashir said there had been many requests from local and foreign aviation companies to set up their respective MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities at Subang airport since then.

^^ Changi or Seletar ?

I guess Changi.

Interesting times ahead for Malaysia-Singapore aviation.

Hopefully Firefly flies to Singapore, I've never flown a prop aircraft before...

Seems unwise that Firefly is hubbing the places AirAsia is hubbing, I guess competition's good for us passengers.

Price war starting already

Air Asia now offering 25 000 FREE seats on the KL-Penang Route.

RM89 total (both ways) after taxes and surcharges....

"why fly in an old plane when you can fly in a new airbus"

Cheers, m

^^ :hilarious: :hilarious:

Kalau orang Firefly tengok mesti mengamuk sakan :hahaha:

Price war starting already

Air Asia now offering 25 000 FREE seats on the KL-Penang Route.

RM89 total (both ways) after taxes and surcharges....

"why fly in an old plane when you can fly in a new airbus"

Cheers, m

I'd love to fly in Fireflyz ATR planes in the future though :)

If you look up firefly in the dictionary you will find an insect that will only live for one day

Anyone want to guess who just said this?

Cheers, m

Anyone want to guess who just said this?

Cheers, m

Tony Fernandez?

now that, in itself, is a good idea....reusing existing infrstructure is necessary to build success...And having all the main MRO and passenger and cargo facilities at KLIA would also be a good idea....not to mention the airport rail connection....

of course, it would cost some money to build the new terminal and new station...and shift the RMAF and police air wings out.

But the museums could be relocated to the Subang Airport...it could be turned into the aerospace centre...include all the military and aerospace functions there...

but it is more likely that Sg. Besi airport will be turned over to private interests for some more redevelopment...

Cheers, m

Yes, the museums moved there is another good idea, we can have like a Malaysian version of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in DC.

I find plans for Subang airport too be too haphazard, like the politicians just don't know what to go with it. An Air base, MRO and heavy engineering facilities, flight school, prop commercial flights, cargo center, private jet airport, exhibition center, auction center. It's trying to be too many things.

It would be great to have Sungai Besi set up in such a way. Sure there has to be investments, the terminal, the airport landing facilities itself (doesn't have ILS). But compared to further investments planned for Subang, this would surely be a worse scenario, bad planning. The extension of the train line to Subang airport would undoubtedly be more expensive to build, since Sungai Besi airport actually has a train line next to, it would just be a matter of adding a train stop perhaps.

Also Just like London city Airport in London, Sungai Besi airport can actually also claim to be the only KL airport to be actually in KL.

Perhaps someone should start writing to politicians about it? It would be sad if the airport was redeveloped into another mall or another feature that it already has.

Hello guys, i was occupied and done a lot of flying (finished simulator and started flying the real jet 2 days ago. Australia (Sunshine Coast) never looked so good. It's hard to find free time to post it here ( read only) but today is rest day and i'll be flying again until early January.

About the Sungai Besi (Simpang Airfield) proposal i'm sorry to disappoint you guys but the ERL cables already killed one private pilot in a Cessna 172. I'm opposing the plan to turn Simpang into active commercial service again because i feel that Subang has a lot more room for expansion and the space around Simpang is full of restrictions (Promo balloons, cranes, wire maintenance, noise restrictions etc) Approach into Simpang offers good viw of the city but if the idea to make the airport active again just doesnt make it. It will restrict building height around the area. It's doing just fine now, i dont want to airport to be turned into another city airport like London City. The airport is crucial for Unit Udara PDRM, Bomba and TUDM because it's close to the city and enabled them to response to emergency quicker and more efficient. Royal Selangor Flying Club members (which is me included) will hate to be relocated to Subang. Of course it's not self interest but for the long term, the plan just not visible, with literally no more room for runway extension.

Just my view, from air....

I don't know about this.

Here's my take on it, my ideas.

I'd like all flights to move to KLIA. Even the MRO and Engineering facilities. Transmile cargo operations. Concentrate major aviation activities in one place to develop KLIA into a hub.

Subang Airport should be strictly a military airbase. All the Sungai Besi RMAF assets moved to there. There's room for basing fighter squadrons too.

Then Upgrade, redevelop and turn Sungai Besi Airport to that similar to London City Airport. Prop flights, using STOL aircraft such as Firefly and Berjaya Air should fly out of Sungai Besi Airport. Private jets should use Sungai Besi Airport too.

Actually Sungai Besi Airport has a larger runway than London City

http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=UK28936&sch=EGLC
http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=MY65050&sch=WMKF

There's the ERL that runs exactly next to Sungai Besi Airport, so an Airport train station can easily be incorporated.

It would be great to have an inner city airport like London, for the purpose of regional flights with STOL aircraft. Might as well let Firefly and Berjaya serve from Sungai Besi anyways instead of Subang.

London City Airport has never been developed for full scale jet operations. It's initial purpose was to serve businessman travelling in executive jets. It's runway is too short for even a B737. It has never mean to serve low cost carriers unlike Luton or Stanstead.It is designed to cater for premium passengers

London City Airport has never been developed for full scale jet operations. It's initial purpose was to serve businessman travelling in executive jets. It's runway is too short for even a B737. It has never mean to serve low cost carriers unlike Luton or Stanstead.It is designed to cater for premium passengers

If you've read my post properly, I never proposed full scale jet operations. I propose prop plans like those of berjaya air and firefly, also executive jets which currently serve Subang. Likewise, it could cater to premium passengers too.

Hello guys, i was occupied and done a lot of flying (finished simulator and started flying the real jet 2 days ago. Australia (Sunshine Coast) never looked so good. It's hard to find free time to post it here ( read only) but today is rest day and i'll be flying again until early January.

About the Sungai Besi (Simpang Airfield) proposal i'm sorry to disappoint you guys but the ERL cables already killed one private pilot in a Cessna 172. I'm opposing the plan to turn Simpang into active commercial service again because i feel that Subang has a lot more room for expansion and the space around Simpang is full of restrictions (Promo balloons, cranes, wire maintenance, noise restrictions etc) Approach into Simpang offers good viw of the city but if the idea to make the airport active again just doesnt make it. It will restrict building height around the area. It's doing just fine now, i dont want to airport to be turned into another city airport like London City. The airport is crucial for Unit Udara PDRM, Bomba and TUDM because it's close to the city and enabled them to response to emergency quicker and more efficient. Royal Selangor Flying Club members (which is me included) will hate to be relocated to Subang. Of course it's not self interest but for the long term, the plan just not visible, with literally no more room for runway extension.

Just my view, from air....

First of all, the sunshine coast!! argh!! how I envy you, i haven't been back there in almost a year. I miss Noosa.

Secondly concerning the thread, at simpang, I'm told building height is already restricted since it is an active air field. Anyways Whilst Subang has room for expansion, the plans that call for this expansion like I said, is haphazard. Terminal 1, is still left empty, whilst there's a plethora of eclectic ideas and directions for the place, an auction center, MRO, exhibition center, TUDM and the like.

By the way, I need to correct you Bomba aviation resources / helicopters are not based in Simpang like you said, but Subang, just like MMEA (coast guard) and other gov agencies aviation assets, Customs, DCA.

With regards to Simpang, TUDM and PDRM aviation resources service not just the KL area but a whole region. Simpang is actually the main base for PDRM aviation for the whole country. So your whole argument about it being important to the city is flawed. Since these assets serve the entire country, it can be easily achieved through Subang. The proximity or Subang to KL is negligible especially in the air.

Here's my question, Why can't the major aviation services (MAS Engineering, MRO and Transmile Cargo ) be moved down to KLIA? Since there's such an emphasis for KLIA being a hub and all for aviation activities. Also I think executive jets, prop operators given the chance would love to land at Simpang than Subang.

Also, the Cessna that clipped ERL lines, I was wondering what was the main cause of the crash?? Pilot Error? I'm sure there was an investigation to it, but when I googled it, nothing. meh.

Simpang can be upgraded for greater aviation safety, Simpang lacks ILS if I'm not mistaken. Aviation accidents happen, they are a fact of life, London city airport is prone to building induced turbulence and/or windshear because it has tall buildings in it's vicinity. Bird strikes. I remember distinctly a landing gear failure of an Air France jet at LCY, during landing. But LCY is a commercial success, I believe it injected value.

I know it's more of a dream. But there's potential for Simpang. An LCY type set up will inject more commercial activities for that area.

Firefly Offering More Flights Out Of Subang
November 08, 2007 19:57 PM


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Firefly Sdn bhd, a wholly- owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Berhad, announced today that it will be flying to Kota Baharu and Langkawi from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang from Nov 17.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said in a statement that the airport was conveniently located for Klang Valley residents.

The Firefly flight from Kota Baharu will depart at 8am and arrive in Subang at 9am. And the one-hour flight to Kota Bharu departs at 9.20am.

As for the Langkawi route, the flight departs from Langkawi at 3pm and leaves Subang at 4.35pm.

The airline will also be adding a third daily flight from Subang to Penang at 12.50pm and from Penang at 11.30am.

Currently, its flights from Penang to Subang depart at 7am and 7pm while return flights to Penang are at 8.20am and 8.50pm.

Leong said the introductory airfare for the two new routes will start at RM9.99 and the bookings are now open for travel period from Nov 17 to March 29 2008.

Firefly, the first community airline launched in April, started operating from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport on Oct 29 2007.

It has been flying from Penang International Airport to Subang, Kuantan, Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu and Langkawi in Peninsular Malaysia and to Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.

-- BERNAMA

^^ I hope that Firefly will start all-737 or all-A320 campaign soon...

I doubt it. If they do, I'm sure Air Asia will make a BIG complaint.

Hello guys. Subangite? you lived here in Sunshine Coast before. Noosa, never been there. Dont have so much time to stroll around. So far on non flying day i went to palms tourist park, near to the airport, and went to kawana shopping mall. ( i stay quite far from the airport. Guess the company cant afford to house us near there because all i see are big houses over there near maroochydore)

I dont have much to say about Simpang. Your explanation makes sense to me but i dont like to see the airport being opened for commercial traffic again. As for the Bomba helicopter, i saw it parked there quite a number of times thats why i thought they are based there. Maybe some maintenance or regular calls there. All bomba pilots are trained by the air force and they were actually air force pilots before transfered to Bomba.

Firefly wont be a getting jet for now i guess. They just ordered ATR 72 and even have opening for pilots position for the type and i dont see jet operation for now.

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Firefly flies to Terengganu and Johor Bahru!


It’s a great time to go on a holiday now that Firefly is expanding. Firefly is adding a new aircraft to our fleet and with that, new routes!



In addition to the Penang, Langkawi and Kota Bharu routes that we’ve just announced, Firefly is now also flying to Kuala Terengganu and Johor Bahru, to and from Subang!



Subang n Penang from RM 9.99*

Subang n Langkawi from RM 9.99*

Subang n Kota Bharu from RM 9.99*



NEW!

Subang n Johor Bahru from RM 9.99*

Subang n Kuala Terengganu from RM 9.99*



Now with the addition of these great new routes, Firefly is bringing communities closer by connecting the northern, central and southern folks of Peninsular Malaysia, all at great prices!



Safe, affordable and convenient travel, this is what Firefly is all about. So what are you waiting for? Book today!



Traveling period is from 18 December 2007 – 29 March 2008

Booking period ends 30 November 2007



For flights between Subang, Penang, Langkawi and Kota Bharu, promotion is applicable for the travel period between now and 29 March 2008.



For bookings, please visit www.fireflyz.com.my (http://www.fireflyz.com.my/)or call Firefly Call Center 03-7845 4543 (8 am -9 pm). Alternatively, walk into our Sales Counter in Terminal 3, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (6.30am – 9 pm) or our Penang Sales (Lot A1 04-07, Ground Floor KOMTAR, Penang Road 10000 Georgetown Tel: 04-250 2000).



*Terms and conditions apply

when Firefly will receive the first ATR?:):)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Community airline, Firefly, plans to fly to Kuala Terengganu and Johor Baharu from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) Airport using its third Fokker 50.

In a statement here today, managing director, Eddy Leong, said the number of passengers has grown since its inaugural flight to Subang in October.

"It is a natural move, and about time, that the airline add a third aircraft to service the new routes," he said.

Leong said the expansion was in line with its goal of connecting Malaysians throughout the region as it now has connected the southern state with the central and northern regions.

"Firefly prides itself being a community airline that primarily caters to secondary routes, linking smaller airports throughout Peninsular Malaysia, thus bringing communities closer.

"Now with Senai International Airport in the picture, folks from the central region will find a more manageable and accessible means of air travel through SAAS Airport," he said.

He said the move to expand to Johor and Terengganu would enable the airline to play a role in supporting the government's plan for economic growth in the respective areas.

Leong said in conjunction with the launch of the new flights, Firefly would also offer a fare of RM9.99 to all its flights from SAAS Airport.

Tickets to Johor Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Penang, Langkawi and Kota Baharu are now available for booking until Nov 30.

Travel period for flights to Penang, Langkawi and Kota Baharu is from Nov 19, 2007 to March 29, 2008 while for Johor Baharu and Kuala Terengganu it is from Dec 18, 2007 to March 29, 2008.:banana:

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/images/advert/ad-new-route-SZB-KUA.jpg

when fireflyz wanna fly to ipoh....?????

Firefly Holiday tawar pakej percutian ke pulau

KUALA LUMPUR 14 Mac - FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly), syarikat penerbangan komuniti milik Malaysia Airlines System Bhd. (MAS), bersama Firefly Holiday akan menawarkan pakej percutian ke pulau-pulau peranginan tempatan dan serantau semasa pameran Persatuan Agen-agen Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Malaysia (MATTA) bermula hari ini hingga Ahad ini.

Antara destinasi yang ditawarkan ialah Pulau Langkawi dan Pulau Pinang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Lang Tengah dan Pulau Redang di Terengganu serta Phuket dan Koh Samui di Thailand.

Pameran itu berlangsung di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), di sini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, Firefly memberi tumpuan kepada destinasi-destinasi berkenaan berikutan kejayaan semasa kempen Malaysia Airline Travel Fair 2008 (MATF 2008) pada bulan lalu.

Menurutnya, pakej percutian tersebut disertai tiket percuma (tidak termasuk cukai lapangan terbang dan surcaj) bagi tempoh perjalanan antara 17 Mac hingga 25 Oktober ini.

''Pakej domestik bermula pada harga serendah RM119, manakala pakej keluarga untuk empat orang ialah sebanyak RM549.

''Pakej yang menarik itu ditawarkan kepada pelanggan Firefly supaya mereka boleh menikmati pengalaman Cuti-Cuti Malaysia," katanya dalam satu kenyataan, di sini hari ini.

Leong berharap orang ramai merebut peluang itu dengan mengunjungi pameran MATTA dan merancang pelancongan dengan Firefly.

''Kami menawarkan perjalanan yang selesa supaya pelanggan tidak perlu menempuh suasana yang sesak untuk daftar masuk.

''Operasi dari Lapangan Terbang Subang sudah terbukti dapat menjimatkan masa dan wang pelanggan untuk mengembara, sekali gus membolehkan mereka meluangkan lebih masa di destinasi tersebut," katanya.

Orang ramai juga boleh membuat tempahan dengan melayari laman web www. fireflyz.com.my, menghubungi pusat khidmat pelanggan di talian 03-7845 4543 atau mengunjung pejabat-pejabat jualan, manakala pakej percutian hanya boleh diperoleh di pameran MATTA.

New planes for Firefly, MASwings
Published: 2008/04/15



MALAYSIA Airlines' (MAS) two feeder carriers, Firefly and MASwings, will take delivery of their new ATR72 aircraft in July and August respectively.

The 70-seater twin-turboprop short-haul aircraft, built in France and Italy, will replace the 50-seater Fokker50s currently in use.

The planes are leased from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB).

"It will be deilvered at the rate of one aircraft every three months," MAS chairman Datuk Dr Mohammed Munir Abdul Majid told reporters in Kuching after witnessing the adoption of Sekolah Kebangsaan Satria Jaya under the airline's "Projek Pintar" programme yesterday.

Nationwide expects FlyFirefly tie-up to fuel revenue
By Zurinna Raja Adam
Published: 2008/04/23

NATIONWIDE Express Courier Service Bhd expects its revenue to grow by 10 per cent or RM10 million a year helped by its partnership with community airline operator FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd.

Under the deal, Nationwide will use the airline's cargo space over the next five years. It is due to use the maximum capacity of 500kg of cargo space daily.

Yesterday, Nationwide inked its agreement with the airline and launched the Super Express b4 6 service. The service offers a same day pick-up and delivery service within interstate routes, where goods are picked up before 10am and delivered by 6pm on the same day.

"We offer money-back guarantee and free shipment policy if the service fails to deliver. This is the first time such service is offered in Malaysia," chief executive officer Rozilawati Basir said.






The service is targeted at business that needs urgent shipments like important documents, samples, mechanical spare parts and pharmaceutical products, among others.

Initially, Super Express b4 6 will offer its services to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. It will then grow concurrently with FlyFireFly as the airline adds more fleet and routes.

"By using air transportation, we will be able to increase operational efficiency and reduce ground transportation movement thus saving on toll, vehicle maintenance and fuel cost," said Rozilawati.

Nationwide operates a fleet of 200 trucks, ranging from one tonne to 17 tonnes and has recently bought 20 new trucks for RM1.7 million under its fleet expansion programme.

The courier company delivers over 45,000 consignment daily for both local and multinational companies.

FlyFirefly wants to more than triple revenue contribution from its cargo division to about 10 per cent in five years, managing director Eddy Leong said.

FlyFirefly intends to buy 20 more planes in five years and increase its routes in the region.

Nationwide buys space on Firefly

KUALA LUMPUR: Nationwide Express Courier Services Bhd expects annual revenue to grow by RM10mil through the enhancement of its express courier shipments using Firefly's network.

Managing director and chief executive officer Rozilawati Basir said the company had purchased cargo space on Firefly's domestic routes for the next five years.

“By using air transportation, we will be able to enhance our express courier shipments and increase operational efficiency while reducing ground transportation movements, vehicle maintenance and fuel cost,” she said.

She was speaking after Nationwide inked an agreement with Firefly operator, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, for the cargo space purchase yesterday.

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Rosilawati Basir (right) shaking hands with Eddy Leong after the signing ceremony

At present, Nationwide operates a fleet of 220 vehicles. Its shipments are mostly transported interstate by heavy trucks via the main highways.

Nationwide was expected to fully use its 500kg cargo load per aircraft on Firefly's fleet of three Fokker F50 planes, Rosilawati said adding that cargo capacity and service offerings through Firefly would grow in tandem with the airline's network and aircraft expansion activities.

FlyFirefly managing director Eddy Leong said the cargo business was expected to contribute about 5% to 10% to revenue over the next five years.

“We have cargo space and as such we expect a marginal increase in revenue at no additional cost,” he said.

Leong said the company expected to take delivery of five new ATR 72-500s this year, with another 15 due over the next three years.

Firefly and MASWings signed a deal with ATR last year to buy 20 of the 72-seater ATR planes in a deal worth US$650mil.

Nationwide also launched a new service called Super Express B4 6 - believed to be the first of its kind for the local courier industry. It is targeted at businesses requiring interstate, time definite, same workday deliveries for important shipments.

The Super Express B4 6 service will initially cover Penang, Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

FireFly’s ambitious KPIs
by Doreen Leong
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: When Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) unveiled its transformation plans in January outlining its five-year profit targets, it did not touch on expectations from its respective divisions — particularly its one-year-old low-cost airline, FireFly.

However, according to sources, MAS managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala has set high targets for FireFly, which started operations on April 1, 2007.

FireFly is expected to achieve an annual net profit of RM2 million in the second year of operations. The base line target is for the airline to break even.

A source said failure to achieve the target would result in the slashing of the bonuses for FireFly’s key personnel. The source said it would be difficult to achieve the targets given its current low yield.

The source said the average load factor for FireFly was about 50% to 60%, which was insufficient to make the route profitable.

“The targets set are quite high for FireFly as the airline has just started operations. It is still trying to stabilise its operations as it is still using three leased 18-year-old Fokker 50 planes,” the source added.

However, as FireFly takes delivery of the new ATR72-500 aircraft in the next two months, the airline will be able to offer uninterrupted services to passengers. There are also plans to expand its distribution network and create awareness about its services.

It has stopped flights to Johor Bahru following the launch of AirAsia Bhd’s KL-Singapore route in February. However, the airline will resume flights on that route after taking delivery of the new planes.

Meanwhile, FireFly managing director Eddy Leong said the airline would take delivery of five aircraft this year, five next year, six in 2010 and four in 2011.

He was speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony with Nationwide Express Courier Services Bhd for the purchase of the airlines’ cargo space in their domestic routes for five years.

Leong is expected to brief reporters on the progress and corporate development of FireFly today in conjunction with its first year anniversary celebrations.

The tie-up with Nationwide will help boost FireFly’s revenue as the former is taking up the entire cargo space in the airline. “It will be an incremental revenue for us as there is no additional cost involved. Our load is not fully utilised at the moment,” Leong said.

He added that cargo revenue was expected to account for between 5% and 10% of its total revenue in the next five years.

Firefly To Have More Destinations From November

SUBANG, April 23 (Bernama) - Firefly Sdn Bhd will fly to more destinations after it takes delivery of five new ATR 72-500 turbo-prop aircraft from November this year, managing director Eddy Leong said Wednesday.

The new routes are Penang to Banda Aceh (Indonesia) and Subang to Johor Baru, Kerteh, Medan and Pekan Baru (Indonesia), and Koh Samui (Thailand).

At present, Firefly flies from its main hub in Penang to Subang, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Langkawi, and Koh Samui and Phuket (Thailand).

From Subang, it flies to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.

Speaking at the first anniversary celebrations of Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) at Terminal 3 here, he said over the medium and longer term, Firefly would fly intra-Sabah and Sarawak destinations to complement the services provided by MAS and MASWings and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines -- East Asean Growth Area).

Also present at the celebrations was MAS managing director Datuk Idris Jala.

Besides focusing on the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) areas, Leong said Firefly was also eyeing destinations like Seletar in Singapore and Batam in Indonesia.

As for services to Seletar, he said, it would not be from primary points like Langkawi but secondary points like Ipoh or Melaka.

He also said that Firefly felt that Johor Bharu was a destination with plenty of potential.

Leong said Firefly was experiencing many repeat customers because of its safe, efficient, convenient and affordable concept.

He added that an increasing number of people in Peninsular Malaysia were getting accustomed to flying in turbo-prop aircraft although those in Sabah and Sarawak were already familiar with such airplanes.

Firefly will take delivery of another five ATR 72-500 aircraft, which can seat up to 72 passengers, next year. It will have an option to acquire six aircraft in 2010 and four in 2011.

ATR is a joint venture between EADS, which manufactures the Airbus aircraft, and Alenia Aeronautica.

Firefly: 5kg more, no charge
Published: 2008/04/24



FIREFLY will be increasing the allowance for checked baggage by 5kg at no extra charge.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said this move was in response to passengers' grouse of not being able to pack their basic necessities into luggage weighing less than 15kg.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines announced this at its first-anniversary celebration at Subang airport's Terminal Three yesterday.

Leong said Firefly will launch services to Medan, Banda Aceh, Kerteh, Pekan Baru and Johor Baru by October this year. These new routes are in addition to the current eight destinations offered - Langkawi, Kota Baru, Penang, Kuala Terenganu, Kuantan, Phuket and Koh Samui.

About 200 guests, comprising information technology suppliers, travel agents and representatives from banks and other airlines attended the celebration.

Firefly hopeful of breakeven,oil prices remain concern

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SUBANG JAYA: Firefly, a budget airline run by Malaysian Airline System Bhd’s (MAS) wholly-owned subsidiary FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, is optimistic of at least breaking even this year although soaring oil prices remain a challenge, FlyFirefly managing director Eddy Leong said.

The budget airline, which began operations in April 2007, targeted to carry 180,000 passengers this year, compared with 130,000 last year, he said, adding it had been able to achieve an average load factor of 70% so far.

“We are looking at positive numbers. We are aiming to achieve profitability this year, but the quantum will depend a lot on the new aircraft,” he told reporters at FlyFirefly’s one-year anniversary celebration here yesterday.

Firefly will take delivery of five new ATR72-500 aircraft in July. It currently runs on three Fokker 50 aircraft that are relatively less efficient in fuel consumption and require high maintenance.

Apart from high oil prices, Leong noted that public misconception on turboprop planes, pilot shortage and overcapacity in the industry remained a challenge.

On route expansion, Leong said Firefly would start flying to Banda Aceh from its hub in Penang, and to Medan, Pekan Baru, Koh Samui, Kerteh and Johor Bahru from its secondary hub in Subang Jaya, all in the fourth quarter this year.

He said Firefly intended to operate flights within Sabah and Sarawak to complement the current routes operated by MAS and MASwings, which operates rural air services in the two states.

Firefly: Free baggage allowance raised to 20kg

KUALA LUMPUR: Firefly will increase its baggage allowance for check-in baggage from 15kg to 20kg from Friday.

The airline is also increasing its fuel surcharge by RM5 for domestic flights and RM8 for international flights for ticket bookings made from Friday.

Firefly’s managing director Eddy Leong said the surcharge increase was partly to help manage the current hike in oil price, which had gone up 75% since Firefly started operations last year.

He said that the baggage allowance was increased after customers asked for it in view of current restrictions on hand-carry items.

Sharp objects and liquid items such as medication, contact lens solution and toiletries were now required to be checked-in, adding to the need for extra weight allowance for check-in baggage.

“The decision to allow up to 20kg is also to streamline product offerings in line with other full service carriers ahead of Firefly’s plan to code share and interline with Malaysia Airlines.

“To counter the rising fuel price, Firefly will make sure its tickets are among the lowest in the market.

“People can look forward to many more promotions from Firefly such as the current RM1 to all destinations,” he added.

Singapore- Seletar? And to Ipoh and Melaka? That could potentially work.. Since so many full loaded coaches leave Singapore for those destinations...

MAS to get first ATR plane in August
Published: 2008/05/08

The national carrier will receive another four ATR aircraft by year-end and five more in 2009


MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) will receive its first ATR 72-500s turbo-prop aircraft to replace its ageing Fokkers 50 come August, managing director Idris Jala said today.

The national carrier will receive another four ATR aircraft by the end of this year, he told reporters after a luncheon talk in Putrajaya.

It will receive another five ATR aircraft in 2009, he added.

In June last year, MAS signed an agreement with Avion de Transport Regional (ATR) for the purchase of 20 ATR 72-500s turbo-prop aircraft for its subsidiary, Firefly.


The airline said the contract was for the purchase of 10 72-seater ATR aircraft plus an option for another 10 aircraft.

The contract is worth about US$360 million, with a list price of about US$18.3 million per aircraft. — Bernama

I think the ATRs received this year are leased.

tak kot, they never announced any lease deal. All bought.

Firefly sees huge savings in fuel cost with new fleet
by Gan Yen Kuan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


TOULOUSE, FRANCE: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) that runs budget airline Firefly, expects to achieve considerable savings in fuel cost when it starts operating with a new fleet of ATR72-500 aircraft in October.

This would enable the airline to achieve higher operating margins and put it in a more flexible position to adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market, said Firefly managing director Eddy Leong.

“We will have a better price range to play with. With lower costs and higher operating margins, it’s easier for us to break even,” he told Malaysian reporters at a teleconference here yesterday after a presentation by ATR, a leading turboprop aircraft maker.

Firefly is taking delivery of five ATR72-500 aircraft this year beginning early August, and another five next year. It also has an option of another 10 similar aircraft.

ATR is a 50:50 joint venture company of EADS and Alenia Aeronautica. Worldwide, ATR and Bombardier are the major players in the turboprop aircraft manufacturing market, with ATR commanding some 60% market share.

Based on ATR’s computations, ATR secretary general Aldo Mucciardi said Firefly would be able to save some 61,000 tonnes of fuel or some US$70 million (RM222.6 million) in fuel cost over five years on the Penang-Subang route alone, assuming fuel price is at US$115 per barrel.

The fuel consumption of ATR72-500 aircraft was 57% less than that of 70-seat jet aircraft and 50% less than the Fokker 50, he said.

With such savings, Firefly’s Leong did not rule out the possibility of lowering its fares. “Obviously, it (fuel cost savings) will go directly into the bottomline. With the Fokker 50, we’re already getting the yield we want.”

“With these new ATR aircraft, our profitability will be higher. We are also looking at our operating model to save costs from other things,” he said.

Meanwhile, ATR commercial and planning director Tiziana Masullo said ATR would set up a training centre in Subang — its third in Asia — under a joint venture with MAS and Firefly.

The three parties had yet to finalise the shareholding structure of this joint venture company, she said, adding that the investment would be “millions of dollars”.

“We’ve already installed the simulators in Subang, and training will start by June 30. By next year, this training centre will be in shape and fully certified by ATR,” she said.

exciting. Words around suggest the simulator already arrived in Subang a month ago. MAS can do more money by leasing it out to other ATR operator who cant afford ATR simulator such as Cebu Pacific. Currently the closest simulator is in BKK. Owned by Bangkok Airways.

by azuan zahdi

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hey guys.. i dint follow this thread much.. soo.. just wana ask.. izit expensive to fly to eu from malaysia.. which air-lines cheapest to fly wit? cheerz! :cool:

hey guys.. i dint follow this thread much.. soo.. just wana ask.. izit expensive to fly to eu from malaysia.. which air-lines cheapest to fly wit? cheerz! :cool:

Kuala Lumpur has very limited connections to Europe compared to Changi. KLM and Lufthansa are the only European Airlines that serve KLIA other than MAS. Which city in the EU are you flying to?

hey guys.. i dint follow this thread much.. soo.. just wana ask.. izit expensive to fly to eu from malaysia.. which air-lines cheapest to fly wit? cheerz! :cool:
Never been to Europe but from what I researched, better make a stopover in Middle East for cheap ticket. Fly Europe-Middle East-Malaysia on airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

KL-London on MAS is almost 4k

^^ shit men! 4k flyin Mas! d' air asia or the other low cost air lines fly to eu?

nyway globocentric^^ i was thinkin bout goin to either London or Rome..

^^ shit men! 4k flyin Mas! d' air asia or the other low cost air lines fly to eu?
Hmmm... Oasis Hong Kong already bankrupt. But the lowest you can get is from KLM. You have to transit in Amsterdam. You have to add extra RM200 on code-share flight by MAS to Amsterdam. But still you still save if you choose to fly one-way on MAS and the rest with KLM.

The other one is Lufthansa but you have to go to Bangkok first before going direct to Frankfurt. I think the cheapest good service is either Emirates or Etihad.

nyway globocentric^^ i was thinkin bout goin to either London or Rome..

Rome will always be cheaper than London because it is more than 2 hours away from London. Furthermore, clearing Immigration in Heathrow on a malaysian passport nowadays can be a nightmare. I think you should also give Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Etihad a try. I've flown Emirates before and it was cheaper than MAS and SIA. If you dont mind crappy service, The really cheap ones will be Pakistan International, Air India and Biman Bangladesh i guess

^^ 4k flyin Mas! d' air asia or the other low cost air lines fly to eu?

Seed, check up the Gulf airlines, eg Qatar, Etihad, Gulf Air as Globo suggested. They usually have good deals and their online booking systems are good. Their onboard service is acceptable to good so no complains. the downside is the wait at their hub stopover in the middle east, you will usually arrive in the early morning and only catch your connecting europe flight around noon or later. But if you don't mind and are not in a hurry these airlines offer good value.:)

^^ Gee.. awsome! Cheers guys! :) but them transfer things kinda confusing hey.. but i'll stick wit glob idea to go to rome instead of london! might catch a train or somethin from rome to london! :nuts: and take a ferry to Ibiza! :naughty: thx guys! :okay:

Firefly capitaliseson aircraft

FIREFLY will use the new ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft scheduled to be delivered in August, to service major cities in Malaysia, Southern Thailand and Sumatra, says managing director Eddy Leong.

Firefly, the new budget carrier in Malaysia, expects to tap into the potential customer base of 100 million in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle.

“Firefly is a no-frills community airline, offering point-to-point travel with low fares. It is about taking people off the roads, ferries and boats and getting them to their destinations faster,” he says.

Firefly launched in April last year, currently flies to several Malaysian cities, as well as to the Thai resort islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.

The name Firefly (in Mandarin, fei ying) was chosen to depict the airline’s personality which is agile, brilliant, charming and fun.

Malaysia Airlines had signed a deal to purchase 20 ATR 72-500s from ATR during the last Lima Airshow in Langkawi.

Under the agreement, Firefly and MASWings, the two fully owned subsidiaries of MAS, will operate 10 ATRs each.

It also includes options for 10 additional aircraft for Firefly and option of five for MASWings.

These 20 new aircraft will feature state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation tools.

Firefly is expected to take delivery of another four ATR 72-500 before the year end and another five aircraft next year, with options of six in 2010 and four in 2011.

“Besides its unbeatable economics, the ATR aircraft are able to land on very short runways, and burn some 50% less of fuel than a regional jet, he says.

Firefly to create a buzz in August
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2008/06/02
BusinessTimes

ATR planes are a natural hedge against rising fuel price, says the managing director of Firefly, which will take delivery of the first ATR 72-500 in August


COME August, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is set to create some aviation excitement when its wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, takes delivery of its first ATR 72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft.

The ATR turboprop is one of 10 the national carrier has ordered from Aerei da Trasporto Regionale, or Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), an Italian-French aircraft manufacturer.

ATR was formed in 1981 by Aerospatiale of France (now EADS) and Aeritalia (now Alenia Aeronautica) of Italy, and its main products are the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.

Describing its business model as one targeting a "new way of air travel", with major cities in Malaysia, southern Thailand and Sumatra connected by a web of direct air services, Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the ATR will enable passengers to have the best mix of accessibility through high flight frequencies.

As the number one turboprop maker in the world, ATR takes pride in claiming that every 20 seconds, an ATR plane is taking off somewhere in the world.

ATR and Bombardier are the major turboprop makers, with the former commanding 60 per cent market share.

ATR general secretary Aldo Mucciardi described 2006 as a "good vintage" for the company, which delivered 24 planes compared with 15 in 2005.

"And 2007 was even better. We recorded an 83 per cent climb with the delivery of 44 turbo-props," he told Malaysian journalists during a recent visit to ATR's headquarters in Blagnac, Toulouse, France.

With orders for 113 aircraft last year (highest in ATR history), the company is looking to deliver more than 60 planes this year.

Of the 13 new customers ATR won worldwide, Malaysia Airlines and the Philippines' Cebu Pacific purchased 15 and 10 new planes respectively, bringing to 25 the number of ATR aircraft that will be operating in Asia.

Its other customers include Air Mauritius, Berjaya Air, Air New Zealand, Bangkok Airlines, India's Kingfisher and Italy's Alitalia.

Plans are afoot to ramp up production capacity to answer market demand, Mucciardi said.

"With nine aircraft produced in 2003, 44 in 2007 and more than 60 this year, it is clear that operators increasingly appreciate the advantages of turboprops," ATR vice-president for industry Thierry Casale said.

"To meet this surging demand, ATR has had to ramp up production."

In Blagnac, which serves as the pulse of Europe's aerospace industry, ATR has restructured its final assembly line operations around assembly process, ground tests and customisation, and runway tests (where engine runs, flight tests and delivery are carried out).

The company aims to step up its rate of production from six aircraft a month to 10 by 2010.

To be more flexible and responsive to customer needs, ATR opened a delivery centre at nearby Saint Martin-du-Touch in November last year, doubling its processing capacity and enabling seven planes to be tested concurrently.

Referring to statistics that indicate 55 per cent of 50- to 70- seater aircraft are turboprops, Mucciardi said operators are increasingly recognising the advantages, which it said include being more economical and environment-friendly to operate than turbo-jets.

"Based on our computations, Firefly will be able to save some 61,000 tonnes of fuel, or some US$70 million (RM226 million) in fuel cost, over five years on the Penang-Subang route alone, assuming fuel price is at US$115 (RM371) per barrel. ATRs are a natural hedge against rising fuel price," he said.

Leong added that since Firefly's focus is short-haul, secondary routes which have thinner traffic volume, the ATR is a logical buy.

"The Penang-Kuantan route, for example, is unlikely to be feasible if operated on a B737 or A320 aircraft.

"When we set out to evaluate the aircraft for our intended network, it became very clear that we needed a propeller aircraft that gives us the best blend of economics (especially fuel economy), proven record, passenger comfort, environmental qualities and long-term commitment to reducing structural costs. We found all these in ATR," he said.

The Malaysian journalists taken on a test flight on the ATR 72-500 around Toulouse got to experience the latest generation turbo-prop aircraft which has merged high technology, comfort and performance.

The jet-like cabin with its streamlined leather seats and diode lighting bespoke a high level of comfort.

Thanks to a range of improvements, such as noise and vibration reduction in its 72-500s, the droning of propellers has become a thing of the past.

ATR is using the new 568F six-blade propeller, which is specially optimised for low cabin noise during climb and cruise and low vibration.

All seats on the 72-500 have individual terminal screens, which are suspended from the overhead compartment.

The standard 72-500 with front-door configuration consists of 68 seats at a pitch of 31 inches, with a straight partition including a front cabin attendant station.

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Looking forward to more firefly flights.:banana:

It now feels like it costs a lot less to fly between Malaysian cities (if you can get the right seats) than it is to drive...

Cheers, m

An ATR in Firefly livery. It's be really nice if it's in MAS livery though.

I believe MAS should cut the 20 options for the B737-800 and buy more ATRs instead.

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Firefly offering 100,000 free tickets at Penang Matta Fair


PENANG: The Penang Matta Fair 2008 is offering 100,000 free tickets from community airline Firefly to fly to six of its destinations.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Penang chairman Ann G.H. Tan said the offer was aimed at drawing more visitors to the fair to be held at the Penang International Sports Arena from July 4 to 7.

Firefly, which is owned by Malaysia Airlines System Bhd (MAS), is among the main sponsors of the Penang Matta Fair.

It plies the Subang-Penang route and also flies to Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Koh Samui and Phuket.

Tan said in a statement yesterday that besides the free air tickets for lucky visitors, the fair would also feature some interesting side activities and offer attractive discounts for tour packages as well as lucky draws.

She said there would be 281 booths, including 36 manned by travel agents and 74 on tourism promotion.

Meanwhile, the fair organisers are trying to get the cooperation of RapidPenang to provide free bus transport for visitors to the fair. – Bernama

100,000 free tickets Firefly seats for Matta Fair visitors



http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/7/north/010602887.jpg
Ann Tan introducing the design for this year's MATTA Fair in Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: There are 100,000 free Firefly air tickets to be given away to early birds to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair to be held from July 4 to July 6 in Penang.

The tickets (excluding tax) are valid for travels to local and foreign destinations like Subang Jaya, Kuantan, Langkawi and Phuket in Thailand.

The fair, to be held at Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) will not only give visitors a huge variety of travel and holiday packages and services to choose from but also loads of goodies.

Matta Penang Chapter chairman Ann Tan said visitors would each be given goodie bags worth more than the entrance fee.

With overwhelming response from sponsors, every visitor can also look forward to lucky draws with prizes like hotel stays, buffet meals and air tickets to local and international destinations such as Hong Kong and Taipei, Tan said at a press conference at Cititel Hotel yesterday.

The fair, with 281 booths taken up by 74 exhibitors, will feature tourism authorities from Hong Kong, Macau, India, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan and Korea, apart from Tourism Malaysia, local tourism boards, travel agencies, non-governmental organisations, banks and other tourism-related businesses.

The Matta Global Traveller insurance, a joint venture between Matta and Kurnia Insurance, would also be introduced at the fair, Tan said.

“With this insurance, travellers purchasing holiday packages will be protected from insolvency risks.

“They no longer have to worry about travel agencies folding up,” she said.

Organising committee member in charge of venue and security, Goh Thean Eng, said arrangement would be made with Rapid Pe-nang to provide services to the fair.

The fair will open from 5pm to 9pm on the opening day.

On the two following days, it will open from 10am to 9pm.

Entrance fee is RM2 per person. Admission is free for children below 12.

The Star is the official newspaper for the fair.

Guna ATM bayar tiket Firefly

KUALA LUMPUR 22 Jun - Firefly memperkenalkan pilihan tambahan pembayaran untuk pelanggan membeli tiket penerbangan.Dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini, katanya, di samping secara tunai dan kad kredit, pelanggan boleh juga membayar dengan kad mesin juruwang automatik (ATM) dengan logo 'Bankcard'.

Pengarah Urusan, Eddy Leong berkata, transaksi tanpa tunai akan memanfaatkan pelanggan kerana mereka akan meningkatkan keselamatan sambil menghapuskan isu tenaga manusia, yang berkaitan dengan transaksi tunai.

Beliau berkata, Firefly akan mengadakan pilihan pembayaran baru pada 16 Jun.

"Kemudahan pembayaran itu diperolehi bagi tiket yang dibeli dalam ringgit di kaunter tiket Firefly di Lapangan Terbang Subang dan Lapangan Terbang Pulau Pinang," katanya. - Bernama

Interesting information about Firefly

One source tells me that the Subang - Langkawi flights will be stopped in September.

Another source tells me that the Subang - Langkawi flight has been stopped since Jun 9!!!

Has anyone heard anything?

Cheers, m

FireFly sees ticket sales doubling
Published: 2008/07/02



FIREFLY, the budget airline operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, expects to increase routes and double ticket sales upon receiving its first batch of five ATR 72-500 aircraft by year-end.
Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said today that the company had ordered 10 new aircraft in total.
“The aircraft will enhance the company’s mission to financially break even by this year. We see sales almost doubling with the new aircraft offering 50 per cent more seats compared to the Fokker 50 in use at present,” he said at a media briefing on the company’s new routes for 2008.
The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System Bhd (MAS).
Firefly’s three Fokker 50 aircraft are 50 seaters and considered relatively less efficient in terms of fuel consumption with high maintenance costs.
Leong said two ATR 72-500 aircraft will be delivered in September this year and one in November.
The remaining two will arrive in December while the rest will join service between April and August next year, he said.
The planes were ordered from ATR, an Italian-French manufacturer. MAS signed the US$360 million deal for the purchase last year with an option to acquire six more in 2010 and four in 2011.


Firefly now flies from its main hub in Penang to Subang, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baharu and Langkawi as well as Koh Samui in Thailand.
From its base in Subang, the company flies to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Baharu and Kuala Terengganu.
Since it began operations in April last year, the budget carrier has flown more than 350,000 passengers. — Bernama

Firefly expects revenue to double
By Hamisah Hamid Published: 2008/07/03

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FIREFLY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), expects revenue to double from a year ago when it takes delivery of five new ATR 72-500s this year, which will replace its ageing Fokker 50 fleet.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the 72-seater ATRs will boost the number of seats it offers by 50 per cent and allow it to introduce new routes to Indonesia and Thailand, and add more flights on some domestic routes.

"We are now close to breaking even and expect (to record) a decent profit next year as the economies of scale sets in when we have 10 ATRs," he said at a news conference to announce Firefly new routes for 2008 in Petaling Jaya yesterday.



The low-cost carrier, which is targeting routes within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTF-GT), is anticipating a delivery of another five ATRs between April and August next year.



Leong said this year, Firefly will launch three new routes in Indonesia, which is Penang-Banda Aceh (four times weekly), Penang-Medan (daily flights) and Subang-Pekanbaru (daily flights).

It will also launch a four time- weekly service between Subang and Koh Samui (Thailand).

Domestically, Firefly is adding one a new route, which is Subang-Johor Baru, and increasing flight frequencies for Subang-Kota Baru, Subang-Penang and Penang-Langkawi routes.

The flights to all new routes will commence on October 26.

The carrier expects to achieve a load factor of above 70 per cent for the new routes, while for those like Subang-Koh Samui, the load factor is expected to hit 80 per cent.

"From our survey since we started operations, we found that 40 per cent of our passengers are repeat passengers," he said.

Meanwhile, Leong said MAS is still working out on the financing structure for the 10 ATRs, which are being built by Italian-French aircraft maker, Avions de Transport Regional (ATR).

MAS is expected to sell two of the Fokker 50s, while the remaining one will be sub-leased to parent Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd.

Leong also said that Firefly is working with its partners including MAS Aerospace Engineering Sdn Bhd to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul hub for ATR aircraft in Subang.

Firefly plans code-share talks with regional carriers
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2008/07/05

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FIREFLY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is looking to start code-share discussions with several regional carriers flying into Penang International Airport.

Firefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the move is in preparation for the arrival of Firefly's first ATR 72-500 turbo propeller aircraft which will be delivered next month.

"We hope to initiate talks soon with Cathay Pacific and China Airlines for potential code-share and inter-line arrangements," he told Business Times on the sidelines of the Matta Fair Penang 2008 at the Penang International Sports Arena yesterday.

Leong said the move is in line with Firefly's efforts in positioning Penang as the international gateway within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).



"Penang has always served as a hub for Firefly and with the arrival of the new planes, we will be better positioned to add more frequencies and destinations from Penang," Leong said.

MAS has purchased 10 ATR 72-500s for Firefly, of which five are expected to be delivered by year-end.

Firefly's 72-500s, configured with 72 seats and featuring the "Elegance Cabin", are intended for the expansion of its network as the airline establishes its hubs in Subang, Penang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu while progressively replacing its Fokker 50s.

Leong said Firefly's active participation in promoting travel between the IMT-GT is meant to boost trade, medical tourism and education.

He said Firefly is also keen to promote inter-line agreements for international passengers flying into Penang to use Firefly local and regional destinations which the airline serves.

It is also learnt that Tourism Malaysia is in talks with Firefly about buying advertising space on the new ATR planes.

Meanwhile, Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen has already begun working with Firefly in promoting Penang locally and in the region.

"I will be leading a delegation of travel trade buyers on a sales mission next week sponsored by Tourism Malaysia to destinations serviced by Firefly such as Phuket, Ko Samui, Medan, Banda Acheh, Langkawi, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru," she said.

Kee, who is also a member of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, said Penang wants to tap into the 70 million combined population of Sumatera, southern Thailand and the local destinations Firefly goes to.

Penang plans to fly high


FIREFLY, Tourism Malaysia and the Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) will embark on a roadshow to promote the state as a tourist destination and northern region air hub for low cost carriers.

The Penang Travel Trade Members Roadshow for inbound and outbound air travel, scheduled from July 9 to July 30, was announced by PTAC chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen recently.

“Penang’s location is very strategic and Firefly will position the state as a gateway to the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). With the arrival of five new ATR72-500 Firefly aircrafts, Penang will soon be connected to Medan and Acheh,” she said.

“We want to promote the state as an air traffic hub. We will be out to establish smart partner-ships with other tour operators in the region to develop packages and marketing strategies,” she said.

The roadshow will be held in Phuket and Koh Samui (Thailand), Medan and Acheh (Indonesia), and Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur.

“This roadshow is aimed at providing tourism industry players with the opportunity to network and develop their businesses with their counterparts around the region.

“There will be seminars, presentations and a travel mart on the state with 100 participants from travel agencies, hotels, tour operators and educational institutions. I am sure this can help to boost tourist arrivals to the state,” she said.

Kee said that for Penang to be successful, the state must also be promoted alongside other popular tourist destinations in the region.

“We must be pragmatic. Penang can no longer stand on her own. We want more connectivity but can we sustain the passenger load?

“That is why I want to promote closer cooperation with other countries and come up with joint packages that add value for visitors,” she said.

Kedatangan pelancong melalui Firefly meningkat

KUALA TERENGGANU Kedatangan pelancong domestik ke Terengganu meningkat kira-kira 300 peratus melalui perkhidmatan penerbangan komuniti yang disediakan oleh syarikat penerbangan Firefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) dalam tempoh enam bulan pertama tahun ini.Ketua Sekretariat Tahun Melawat Terengganu (TMT) 2008, Tengku Mohd. Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman berkata, jumlah kedatangan pelancong domestik yang menggunakan perkhidmatan Firefly ke negeri ini meningkat daripada kira-kira 700 orang pada Januari lalu sehingga lebih 2,000 orang Jun lalu.

''Ini merupakan hasil jaringan perhubungan penerbangan antara Pulau Pinang dan Terengganu yang dilaksanakan oleh Firefly," katanya selepas merasmikan Roadshow Penang Travel Trade di sini kelmarin.

Turut hadir Pengerusi Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Pulau Pinang, Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya juga meminta Firefly menambah penerbangan dari Pulau Pinang ke negeri ini ekoran peningkatan jumlah penumpang.

Menurutnya, ketika ini Firefly hanya menyediakan satu penerbangan harian pergi dan balik dari Pulau Pinang ke Terengganu dan pihaknya berharap syarikat penerbangan komuniti itu akan menyediakan pakej-pakej menarik yang dapat membantu kedatangan pelancong ke negeri ini.

Beliau menambah, ejen-ejen pelancongan di negeri ini perlu mengambil peluang daripada perkhidmatan Firefly yang menjadikan Pulau Pinang sebagai hab pelancongan penerbangan di rantau ini.

''Penerbangan Firefly ke beberapa negara jiran seperti Thailand dan Indonesia membolehkan ejen pelancongan negeri ini mencari peluang untuk menarik pelancong asing ke Terengganu.

''Mereka juga boleh menggunakan beberapa acara antarabangsa yang akan berlangsung di negeri ini sebagai salah satu tarikan pelancong ke negeri ini," katanya.

Firefly set to fly ATR aircraft
Saturday August 2, 2008
By ANN TAN
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/2/north/010941595.jpg

The ATR-72 500 series aircraft that is expected to begin its operation in Firefly effective Sept 1.

FIREFLY will phase out its three Fokker-50 aircraft from October and replace them with five 72-seater ATR planes.

Firefly Penang hub manager Audrey Yu said the ATR aircraft would begin operation on Sept 1 and the first ATR 72-500 series plane would arrive in the middle of this month.

“We are targeting to have five ATR planes by December, followed by another five next year and 10 more in 2010,” Yu said.

It was reported in The Star that Firefly and MASwings, both Malaysia Airlines subsidiaries, signed a deal with ATR at the Lima exhibition last year to buy 20 of planes in a deal worth US$650mil (RM2.2bil).

Meanwhile, Firefly is also offering new routes beginning Oct 26.

Yu said Firefly would fly the Penang-Bandar Acheh route four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) and operate a daily flight between Penang and Medan.

“There would also be daily flights for the Subang-Johor Baru and Subang-Pekan Baru (Indonesia) routes. Another new route for Subang to Koh Samui (Thailand) will be on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday,” she said.

Yu was speaking to newsmen during a tea break at the Malaysia Airlines product enhancement briefing for partners held in Cititel, George Town, on Thursday.

About 200 representatives from travel agents, federal and state government agencies, chambers of commerce, hoteliers, freight operators from the Penang Free Trade Zone and corporate travel clients attended the event.

Malaysia Airlines Executive Enrich R. Thangamalar said the airline was currently offering a 50% discount on domestic flights for students aged 12 to 25.

“Students must get a letter from the school authority to prove them as students and submit the letter with two passport-sized photos to us.

“They are also entitled for discounts at selected international destinations,” she said.

For details, log on to www.fireflyz.com.my or www.malaysiaairlines.com or contact call centre at 1300-88-3000.

Firefly to be profitable next year
By M.KRISHNAMOORTHY


Turnaround possible as it operates on lean budget

SUBANG: Firefly, which operates on a lean budget, is expected to realise profits next year, says managing director Eddy Leong.

He said the turnaround was possible because it had about only 160 staff and had an added advantage in saving costs through parent Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

Firefly provides new and exclusive routes from Subang to Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baharu and Langkawi in Malaysiathe country, and to Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.

“We are not in competition with AirAsia Bhd as we are unique in ourself as a community airline. Firefly is different because we operate from Subang, our seats are numbered and reserved.

“Firefly follows Iata (International Air Transport Association) ruling of allowing minimum luggage of 20kg and our check-in time is 30 minutes before the flight,” Leong told StarBiz yesterday.

In the Klang Valley, Leong said that they were within 20 minutes to the airport and routes are unique in many ways compared to other airlines.

Leong, who was also a key player under Datuk Seri Idris Jala in the turnaround plan for MAS , said Firefly had Penang, being the second biggest hub in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur, was the hub for its airlines Firefly and it offered the quickest routes in the air within Peninsula Malaysia .

“We have a role to play in the growth of the region and fulfil the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) agenda,” he said.

Being a community-minded airline, Leong said Firefly placed great emphasis on safety and comfort in its flying experience.

“Firefly is about taking people off the roads, ferries and boats, and getting them to their destinations faster. managing director Eddy Leong said of Firefly.

“Providing an air service that is simple, no frills and cost effective makes flying Firefly a fun and smart choice.” he said.

Leong said he was not concerned about competition if any other airlines were allowed to operated from Subang as only turbo-propelled airlines were allowed.

“ We fly high in the modified turbo-propelled propeller, the Fokker 50 uses less fuel than other aircraft. Before the end of this year, three more fuel-efficient Turbo Prop ATR 72-500 will replace the Fokker 50s.

“The new small body new aircraft, which will be able to ferry 70 passengers, is ideal for the type of routes we cater, providing quick landing and takeoffs.” he said.

Launched on April 3 last year, Leong referred to Firefly as Malaysia’s “first community airline.”

“The word Firefly depicts agility, brilliance, charm and fun. Being unique and evocative, Firefly is easily recognisable and has the potential to grow and command a brand premium in the future,” he said.

Firefly To Offer Attractive Packages With New ATR72-500 Turboprop Aircraft
August 11, 2008 21:43 PM

PETALING JAYA, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Firefly, Malaysia's community airline will be able to offer more affordable travel packages and expand their routes to cover selected destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand with five new turbo-propeller aircraft, ATR72-500 (ATR) by the end of this year.

Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong, said with the new aircraft they will be able to reduce their operating cost by almost 20 percent and increase revenue significantly with the availability of 50 percent more seats.

"Our operating cost will be lower, for example to fly from Subang to Pulau Pinang ATR uses same amount of fuel as Fokker-50 (but) with 22 more passengers. The aircraft (ATR) is bigger with 72 seats compared to Fokker with 50 seats.

"Some of the new destinations are to Banda Acheh and Medan from Penang, and to Pekanbaru, Johor Baharu and Koh Samui from Subang, using the new aircraft beginning this October," he told reporters after a ceremony here Monday to take delivery of the new aircraft.

Leong said since its launch in April last year, Firefly has been operating with three Fokker-50 turbo-propeller aircraft flying to nine destinations out of Penang and Subang.

"From October 26 we will be introducing two new flights from Subang to Medan and Haadyai. And at the end of 2009 we would be operating with a total of 10 ATR72-500, launching more routes to cater for not only the increase in demand but also offer new services.

"The ATR is to replace Fokker-50 that we have today. With the new ATR72-500 we will retire one of the Fokker-50, and when another ATR comes it will take over another Fokker and so on," he said.

Leong said Firefly was expected to break-even by this financial year.

"Let's not speculate on the numbers (profit target) yet, let us achieve the numbers first. We will disclose it in due time. But I think the critical mass is next year, by the time we finish taking delivery of five aircrafts in December this year and we will disclose the numbers when the time is right," he said.

He said Firefly will soon be introducing in-flight refreshment as part of its continuous effort to improve products and services.

"We will still continue with our in-flight sales of food and beverages with an improved menu of hearty meals," he said.

When asked if there was any plan to fly to Singapore, Leong said they were waiting for guidance from the Ministry of Transport as it was a government to government arrangement.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly to create a buzz in August
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2008/06/02
BusinessTimes

COME August, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is set to create some aviation excitement when its wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, takes delivery of its first ATR 72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft.

The ATR turboprop is one of 10 the national carrier has ordered from Aerei da Trasporto Regionale, or Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), an Italian-French aircraft manufacturer.

ATR was formed in 1981 by Aerospatiale of France (now EADS) and Aeritalia (now Alenia Aeronautica) of Italy, and its main products are the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.

Describing its business model as one targeting a "new way of air travel", with major cities in Malaysia, southern Thailand and Sumatra connected by a web of direct air services, Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the ATR will enable passengers to have the best mix of accessibility through high flight frequencies.

As the number one turboprop maker in the world, ATR takes pride in claiming that every 20 seconds, an ATR plane is taking off somewhere in the world.

ATR and Bombardier are the major turboprop makers, with the former commanding 60 per cent market share.

ATR general secretary Aldo Mucciardi described 2006 as a "good vintage" for the company, which delivered 24 planes compared with 15 in 2005.

"And 2007 was even better. We recorded an 83 per cent climb with the delivery of 44 turbo-props," he told Malaysian journalists during a recent visit to ATR's headquarters in Blagnac, Toulouse, France.

With orders for 113 aircraft last year (highest in ATR history), the company is looking to deliver more than 60 planes this year.

Of the 13 new customers ATR won worldwide, Malaysia Airlines and the Philippines' Cebu Pacific purchased 15 and 10 new planes respectively, bringing to 25 the number of ATR aircraft that will be operating in Asia.

Its other customers include Air Mauritius, Berjaya Air, Air New Zealand, Bangkok Airlines, India's Kingfisher and Italy's Alitalia.

Plans are afoot to ramp up production capacity to answer market demand, Mucciardi said.

"With nine aircraft produced in 2003, 44 in 2007 and more than 60 this year, it is clear that operators increasingly appreciate the advantages of turboprops," ATR vice-president for industry Thierry Casale said.

"To meet this surging demand, ATR has had to ramp up production."

In Blagnac, which serves as the pulse of Europe's aerospace industry, ATR has restructured its final assembly line operations around assembly process, ground tests and customisation, and runway tests (where engine runs, flight tests and delivery are carried out).

The company aims to step up its rate of production from six aircraft a month to 10 by 2010.

To be more flexible and responsive to customer needs, ATR opened a delivery centre at nearby Saint Martin-du-Touch in November last year, doubling its processing capacity and enabling seven planes to be tested concurrently.

Referring to statistics that indicate 55 per cent of 50- to 70- seater aircraft are turboprops, Mucciardi said operators are increasingly recognising the advantages, which it said include being more economical and environment-friendly to operate than turbo-jets.

"Based on our computations, Firefly will be able to save some 61,000 tonnes of fuel, or some US$70 million (RM226 million) in fuel cost, over five years on the Penang-Subang route alone, assuming fuel price is at US$115 (RM371) per barrel. ATRs are a natural hedge against rising fuel price," he said.

Leong added that since Firefly's focus is short-haul, secondary routes which have thinner traffic volume, the ATR is a logical buy.

"The Penang-Kuantan route, for example, is unlikely to be feasible if operated on a B737 or A320 aircraft.

"When we set out to evaluate the aircraft for our intended network, it became very clear that we needed a propeller aircraft that gives us the best blend of economics (especially fuel economy), proven record, passenger comfort, environmental qualities and long-term commitment to reducing structural costs. We found all these in ATR," he said.

The Malaysian journalists taken on a test flight on the ATR 72-500 around Toulouse got to experience the latest generation turbo-prop aircraft which has merged high technology, comfort and performance.

The jet-like cabin with its streamlined leather seats and diode lighting bespoke a high level of comfort.

Thanks to a range of improvements, such as noise and vibration reduction in its 72-500s, the droning of propellers has become a thing of the past.

ATR is using the new 568F six-blade propeller, which is specially optimised for low cabin noise during climb and cruise and low vibration.

All seats on the 72-500 have individual terminal screens, which are suspended from the overhead compartment.

The standard 72-500 with front-door configuration consists of 68 seats at a pitch of 31 inches, with a straight partition including a front cabin attendant station.

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Firefly To Offer Attractive Packages With New ATR72-500 Turboprop Aircraft
August 11, 2008 21:43 PM

PETALING JAYA, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Firefly, Malaysia's community airline will be able to offer more affordable travel packages and expand their routes to cover selected destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand with five new turbo-propeller aircraft, ATR72-500 (ATR) by the end of this year.

Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong, said with the new aircraft they will be able to reduce their operating cost by almost 20 percent and increase revenue significantly with the availability of 50 percent more seats.

"Our operating cost will be lower, for example to fly from Subang to Pulau Pinang ATR uses same amount of fuel as Fokker-50 (but) with 22 more passengers. The aircraft (ATR) is bigger with 72 seats compared to Fokker with 50 seats.

"Some of the new destinations are to Banda Acheh and Medan from Penang, and to Pekanbaru, Johor Baharu and Koh Samui from Subang, using the new aircraft beginning this October," he told reporters after a ceremony here Monday to take delivery of the new aircraft.

Leong said since its launch in April last year, Firefly has been operating with three Fokker-50 turbo-propeller aircraft flying to nine destinations out of Penang and Subang.

"From October 26 we will be introducing two new flights from Subang to Medan and Haadyai. And at the end of 2009 we would be operating with a total of 10 ATR72-500, launching more routes to cater for not only the increase in demand but also offer new services.

"The ATR is to replace Fokker-50 that we have today. With the new ATR72-500 we will retire one of the Fokker-50, and when another ATR comes it will take over another Fokker and so on," he said.

Leong said Firefly was expected to break-even by this financial year.

"Let's not speculate on the numbers (profit target) yet, let us achieve the numbers first. We will disclose it in due time. But I think the critical mass is next year, by the time we finish taking delivery of five aircrafts in December this year and we will disclose the numbers when the time is right," he said.

He said Firefly will soon be introducing in-flight refreshment as part of its continuous effort to improve products and services.

"We will still continue with our in-flight sales of food and beverages with an improved menu of hearty meals," he said.

When asked if there was any plan to fly to Singapore, Leong said they were waiting for guidance from the Ministry of Transport as it was a government to government arrangement.

-- BERNAMA

ATR72-500

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MAS finalising payment options
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2008/08/12
BusinessTimes

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Tuesday/Frontpage/flyff.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph9/fire12.jpg

The national carrier will now either opt for Japanese operating leases or export credit agencies to pay for its acquisition of five turboprop aircraft

MALAYSIAN Airline System Bhd (MAS) is finalising plans to pay US$91.5 million (RM304 million) for five turboprop aircraft it will receive this year.

"We have different methods we can look at. Our options are now either Japanese operating leases or export credit agencies," MAS executive director and chief financial officer Datuk Tengku Azmil Zahruddin told reporters in Subang, Selangor, yesterday.

Firefly received yesterday the first of 10 ATR72-500 aircraft it has ordered in a ceremony attended by Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the new turboprop would help reduce its operating costs by 20 per cent because of its fuel efficiency and additional 22 seats.

The community airline expects to reach the half-million-passenger mark next year.

Firefly has made a firm order for 10 turboprop aircraft, with option for another 10, worth US$366 million collectively.

Since its launch in April last year, Firefly has been operating three Fokker 50 turbo-propeller aircraft to service nine destinations out of Penang and Subang.

By the year-end, Firefly will have five ATR72-500 and serve more than 14 destinations.

It expects to operate 10 ATR72-500 for both the domestic and regional routes by end-August next year.

Leong said the airline has been enjoying an average load factor of 70 per cent.

On the delay in refurbishing 50 of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's Electric Multiple Unit Trains (EMUs), Ong said the ministry may appoint another contractor while issues with Malaysian Korean Rail Corp (MKRC) are ironed out.

He said that a meeting had been held with MKRC and efforts are being made to resolve the issues.

"We are working on a contingency plan now and we definitely need someone to do the job as it is behind schedule," Ong said.

According to a Bernama report, MKRC was supposed to have completed the refurbishment of 15 coaches by July. To date, the company is said to have only completed three.

Ong also said that the ministry had yet to finalise the number of units to refurbish as it is studying the technical viability of the coaches.

Firefly takes delivery of new ATR72-500 aircraft


PETALING JAYA: Firefly has taken delivery of its new ATR72-500 turbo-propeller aircraft with its first flight between Subang airport and Kota Baru.

The airline is hoping that the aircraft, which arrived here yesterday after a four-day flight from Toulouse in France, will boost its efficiency.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is replacing its three Fokker-50s with ATR72-500 planes which run on 40% less fuel and are more cost-effective.

Its managing director Eddy Leong said he hoped to reduce cost by 20%.

“This would be primarily due to fuel efficiency.

“The 72-seater ATR will also be able to carry 22 more passengers than the Fokker-50, even though most of the charges for both planes (such as landing charges and parking charges) are almost the same,” he told reporters.

Also present to welcome the new aircraft was Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat and MAS managing director and Firefly chairman Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

Leong said another five were expected to arrive next year, and a further 10 in 2010.

Leong also announced the launching of new routes from Penang to Medan and Banda Aceh, and from Subang to Pekanbaru, Johor Baru and Koh Samui in October.

He added that the third Firefly hub in Johor would likely be “activated by the end of next year”. Firefly currently has two hubs – Penang and Subang.

Firefly To Offer Attractive Packages With New ATR72-500 Turboprop Aircraft


PETALING JAYA, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Firefly, Malaysia's community airline will be able to offer more affordable travel packages and expand their routes to cover selected destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand with five new turbo-propeller aircraft, ATR72-500 (ATR) by the end of this year.

Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong, said with the new aircraft they will be able to reduce their operating cost by almost 20 percent and increase revenue significantly with the availability of 50 percent more seats.

"Our operating cost will be lower, for example to fly from Subang to Pulau Pinang ATR uses same amount of fuel as Fokker-50 (but) with 22 more passengers. The aircraft (ATR) is bigger with 72 seats compared to Fokker with 50 seats.

"Some of the new destinations are to Banda Acheh and Medan from Penang, and to Pekanbaru, Johor Baharu and Koh Samui from Subang, using the new aircraft beginning this October," he told reporters after a ceremony here Monday to take delivery of the new aircraft.

Leong said since its launch in April last year, Firefly has been operating with three Fokker-50 turbo-propeller aircraft flying to nine destinations out of Penang and Subang.

"From October 26 we will be introducing two new flights from Subang to Medan and Haadyai. And at the end of 2009 we would be operating with a total of 10 ATR72-500, launching more routes to cater for not only the increase in demand but also offer new services.

"The ATR is to replace Fokker-50 that we have today. With the new ATR72-500 we will retire one of the Fokker-50, and when another ATR comes it will take over another Fokker and so on," he said.

Leong said Firefly was expected to break-even by this financial year.

"Let's not speculate on the numbers (profit target) yet, let us achieve the numbers first. We will disclose it in due time. But I think the critical mass is next year, by the time we finish taking delivery of five aircrafts in December this year and we will disclose the numbers when the time is right," he said.

He said Firefly will soon be introducing in-flight refreshment as part of its continuous effort to improve products and services.

"We will still continue with our in-flight sales of food and beverages with an improved menu of hearty meals," he said.

When asked if there was any plan to fly to Singapore, Leong said they were waiting for guidance from the Ministry of Transport as it was a government to government arrangement.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly to offer free inflight refreshments
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2008/08/13
Businesstimes

LOCAL turboprop operator FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd will offer both priority boarding for special-need passengers and refreshments for free on board its flights soon.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the move is in line with customer requests, while the airline continues to keep its fares low.

"The provision of inflight refreshments will be implemented when we are fully transitioned to the ATR aircraft," he told Business Times.

Firefly, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, received its first of 10 ATR 72-500s on Monday and Leong said the first ATR will enter service next Tuesday, replacing one of the Fokker-50s now in use.

"Five domestic destinations will get to experience our brand new aircraft, namely Subang, Penang, Kota Baru, Langkawi and Kuantan," Leong said, adding that during the transition, a destination may be served by either the ATR or the Fokker-50 due to rotation of the aircraft on the day of operations.

He said the second ATR is scheduled to enter service in early September, while the fifth will be before year-end.

The ATR turboprop was ordered by the national carrier from Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), an Italian-French-based aircraft manufacturer.

Asked to comment on the new routes which Firefly is hoping to introduce when its northern summer route season takes off at the end of March next year, Leong said: "We are unable to provide exact details due to ongoing traffic rights applications and implementation formalities in line with the regulations."

"We remain focused to implement our network plan for cities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia), southern Thailand and Singapore."

However, it is learnt that Hatyai and Kota Kinabalu are likely to be new routes which will be served by the ATRs next year from Subang Airport.

On whether Firefly would continue offering its "zero-fare" promotions, Leong said it would be featured based on seasonality and demand patterns from customers.

"With our new ATR, we will continue our present method of promotions and the good news is we will have more seats to offer as the ATRs have 72 seats while the Fokker-50s have 50 seats," he said.

Firefly to replace fleet
Wednesday August 20, 2008
TheStar

FIREFLY passengers will get to enjoy bigger leather seats with wider leg space with the airlines’ newly launched ATR 72-500 aircraft.

The plane, which departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang at 6.50am yesterday, arrived at the Penang International Airport at 9.30am after a brief stopover in Kota Baru.

At the runway, the bright orange aircraft was greeted with a water salutation by the airport’s fire brigade while its passengers received a warm and colourful welcome from a kompang troupe.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the new aircraft was more fuel-efficient and had a more comfortable cabin interior compared to the Fokker 50-seater planes.



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Special reception:Guests from Firefly's ATR 72-500 plane were given a warm
welcome during its first landing at the Penang International Airport yesterday.



He said the company planned to replace all its Fokker-50 aircrafts with 10 new ATR 72-500 planes by next August.

Leong said the airline’s cheap airfares, flight experience and direct flight services made it a premium airline.

“We don’t require lengthy check-ins because we are smaller in size. We will also be introducing complimentary in-flight refreshments in November,” he said, adding that Firefly passengers now received a generous 20kg baggage allowance.

Among the special guests on board the inaugural flight were 14 pupils and four teachers from SRJK Sabak in Kota Baru and journalists from Kuala Lumpur.

“Today’s the most exciting day of my life! I woke up very early in the morning as I couldn’t wait to get up the plane,” said 12-year-old Anumi Nur Afifah, who was flying for the first time.

Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen, who was at the airport to welcome the passengers said as Firefly was flying in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) region, Penang had a tourist catchment of 70 million.

The airline currently operates flights from Penang to Subang, Langkawi, Kuantan, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Phuket, Koh Samui, Medan, Bandar Aceh and soon to Sumatra.

KTMB, Firefly tawar tiket tambahan





KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) dan syarikat penerbangan komuniti Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS), Firefly menawarkan tiket dan perjalanan tambahan untuk keperluan orang ramai pulang berhari raya.

Dalam kenyataan dikeluarkan semalam, kedua-dua syarikat itu menyatakan hasrat menambah tiket dan perjalanan bagi membolehkan orang ramai ke destinasi masing-masing termasuk utara, selatan dan pantai timur.

Pengendali pengangkutan kereta api, KTMB berkata pihaknya menyediakan 51,130 tiket pergi balik pelbagai kelas bagi perjalanan bertarikh 24 hingga 30 September ini dengan 30,639 daripadanya sudah terjual, manakala baki masih tinggal 20,491.

“Tiket boleh didapati di kaunter KTM Antarabandar seluruh negara. Penumpang juga boleh membuat tempahan melalui Pusat Panggilan KTMB 03-22671200 (7 pagi - 10 malam) atau secara online di www.ktmb.com.my,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Firefly akan menambah penerbangan bagi tarikh 29 hingga 30 September serta 3 hingga 6 Oktober membabitkan perjalanan dari Subang ke Kota Bharu dan Kota Bahru ke Subang.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata penambahan itu selaras permintaan penumpang yang semakin meningkat sejak mula-mula tiket dikeluarkan mengikut jadual biasa iaitu dua kali sehari sehingga 25 Oktober.

Hopefully Firefly would introduce SZB-IPOH service soon. It'd be a good alternative to rail(too slow) and express buses(slow thanx to congested PLUS and high accident rates).Travelling to Ipoh by air would be convenient as Ipoh's airport is near the city and suburbs. According to 2007 report by Bernama Fireflyz already got approval to service Senai-Ipoh and SZB-Ipoh routes and Firefyly will start services after the ATR-72 arrives or in the third quarter 0f 2008.

July 14, 2007 17:31 PM
Govt Approves Firefly's Flights From Subang To Ipoh


IPOH, July 14 (Bernama) -- The government has approved the application of Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), to service the Senai-Ipoh and Subang-Ipoh air routes.

Announcing this today, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said that Firefly will be using turbo prop aircraft which was suitable for the short flights ranging from two to two-and-half hours.

"Firefly is currently using the Fokker aircraft which made Penang a hub but it is acquiring ATR 72 from Italy and we are confident that with the aircraft, Firefly will be able to have more flights between Ipoh and Subang and Ipoh and Senai.

"The ministry hopes that Firefly will start operations as soon as they take delivery of the first batch of the aircraft," he told reporters after the launch of the International Skydive Visit Malaysia Year 2007 here today.

Firefly is expected to take receipt of the first batch of ATR 72 in September next year.

In June, MAS and ATR (Avion de Transport Regional) signed the agreement in Rome, Italy for the purchase of 20 ATR turbo prop 72-500s.

The contract worth US$360 million was for the purchase of each aircraft at US$18.3 million per unit.

Firefly flies twice a week from Penang to Langkawi, Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Phuket and Koh Samui. It started the domestic operations on April 3, and its international operations 10 days later using two Fokker Friendship aircraft.

In June, the government allowed Firefly to operate from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport as its second hub after Penang. It was to facilitate flights from the airport to all its domestic destinations and also to Indonesia and Thailand.

On the project to expand the runway at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport here, Chan said a meeting will be held next week involving representatives from his ministry and the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd and the Perak State Government to come up with the working paper on the upgrading of the airport.

A proposal will be made to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi once the working paper is ready.

The proposal will cover not only the runway expansion but also other facilities such as the terminal and the Department of Civil Aviation tower building.

The state government and various parties especially from the tourism industry of Perak had in the past called for the upgrading of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in order to facilitate the landing of larger aircraft. The transport ministry had also previously proposed making the airport a Low Cost Carrier hub in the northern region of the peninsular.

The state government meanwhile has expressed its readiness to spend RM40 million on the airport on the guarantee that flights both domestic and international will be operated from the airport.

-- BERNAMA

^^^ we'll see about that when the fast trains actually comes.

Firefly aglow with growth plans
By Adeline Paul Raj Published: 2008/09/22
BusinessTimes

The airline is open (to considering strategic investors) ... but it all depends on whether it fits MAS' Business Transformation Plan 2 strategy, says FlyFirefly

FIREFLY, a low-fare community airline wholly owned by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), said it is open to strategic investors as it looks to grow.

"It could either be other airlines (taking a stake in us) or it could be MAS itself using us more strategically," FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong told Business Times in an interview.

Leong said there have been some casual enquiries by interested parties.

"We are open (to considering strategic investors). We never say no, but it all depends on whether it fits MAS' Business Transformation Plan 2 (BTP2) strategy.

"If it does, then yes, we would do it, provided Khazanah (Khazanah Nasional Bhd, MAS' biggest shareholder) says yes," he said.

BTP2, a follow-up to an earlier business plan that successfully turned around MAS, outlines plans to transform MAS into the world's five-star value carrier with a competitive cost structure.

"To be honest, we probably don't need one (a partner) right now ... (but) that is one of the potentials that we are getting ready for," said Leong.

He added that Firefly may not look very attractive now as just a turboprop operator but if used for "other more strategic uses", it could become very attractive.

"We don't really need foreign investors. It's a (matter of) strategic partner, or a strategic usage ... when we actually use Firefly for strategic reasons," he said.

MAS, for example, can use Firefly for multiple strategic purposes, depending on the situation. It may not use Firefly the same way as it does today, Leong hinted.

As an example, he said, if MAS were to form a joint venture with another party to set up an airline in an Asean country, it would probably be easier to use Firefly as the vehicle, rather than MAS.

Alternatively, if MAS were to go into a strategic partnership with other smaller airlines, Firefly might be the more suitable party for this, he added.

"Currently, every new flight route is taken by MAS. But in the future it may not be that way. My cost structure is a lot less than theirs and I'm a bit more nimble ... if you want to start a flight next month, I can," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Firefly is already expanding its own fleet. It recently took delivery of the second of 10 ATR 72-500s it ordered, and expects to have three more by year-end, to replace its ageing Fokker 50 fleet.

This allows it to increase routes from its two hubs, Penang and Subang, and propel the number of passengers it carries to the half-million mark by the end of the year, he said.

With the delivery of the remaining five ATRs by August next year, it expects to cross the one-million-passenger mark by the end of that year.

Leong expects to start a hub in Johor Baru next year, and another in Kota Kinabalu in 2010.

Firefly should be able to start contributing positively to MAS' bottom line in the second quarter of next year, he said.

Asked if Firefly is considering getting publicly listed, Leong said there are no such plans for now, but did not rule out the prospect completely.

1.5j dijangka guna Firefly



SYARIKAT penerbangan komuniti milik Penerbangan Malaysia, Firefly mensasar mencapai sehingga 1.5 juta penumpang tahun depan, berikutan penerimaan 10 pesawat baru yang akan meningkatkan operasinya.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong, berkata kesemua pesawat turbo generasi baru itu akan membantu syarikat menjimatkan kos, meningkatkan kapasiti tempat duduk dan membantu pemulihan pendapatan dalam tempoh jangka panjang.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya turut menjangka meraih keuntungan dalam tahun kewangan akan datang yang berakhir 31 Disember 2009.

“Kami akan menerima dua pesawat baru itu menjelang akhir tahun ini manakala bakinya tahun depan menjadikan 10 semuanya.

“Sepuluh pesawat baru itu bernilai RM636.12 juta (AS$186 juta),” katanya ketika ditemui di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Menurutnya, walaupun terpaksa berdepan dengan tempoh sukar tahun ini, pihaknya tidak bercadang membuat perubahan dalam struktur tambangnya.

“Kami akan mengekalkan struktur tambang pada harga semasa walaupun terpaksa berdepan dengan senario kenaikan harga bahan api,” katanya.

Menurut Leong, pihaknya juga akan menambah destinasi baru penerbangan dari Subang , termasuk ke Johor Bahru, Subang - Pekan Baru, Subang - Medan dan Subang - Koh Samui berkuat kuasa 26 Oktober tahun ini.

AirAsia and Firefly eyeing LCCT in Batang Padang
By SYLVIA LOOI


IPOH: Budget carriers AirAsia and Firefly are courting the Perak government to operate a low-cost carrier terminal at the Batang Padang district.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mo**hammad Nizar Jamaluddin said discussion on the airport offering international flights started in May and to date two meetings on the matter had been held.

The state’s commitment is only to provide between 1,212ha and 1,616ha of land while the operator would foot the development cost of the airport, he said yesterday. The new airport would also handle cargo flights.

Speaking to reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Japanese ambassador Masahiko Yoire at his office, Nizar said that the plan, however, still hinged on clearance from the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

The state, said Nizar, needed an international airport to attract foreign investors.

Nizar also added that the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here would be used only to service local flights if the Batang Padang airport project took off.

On the courtesy call, Nizar said that the ambassador had expressed Japan’s confidence in the Pakatan Rakyat-led states.

He had received positive feedback from Perak-based Japanese companies of which two of them would expand their operations here.

The ambassador, said that Nizar, also discussed plans to package Perak’s tourism products to attract Japanese tourists.

They also discussed student exchange programmes between Fukuoka University and universities in Perak.

Firefly expects to have 34 routes by March
By Adeline Paul Raj Published: 2008/10/17
BusinessTimes

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Friday/Nation/flyfar.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/serve.jpg

LOW-fare community airline Firefly, which has begun serving complimentary refreshments on all its flights, expects to fly 34 routes by the end of March next year from 14 currently.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which operates out of Penang and Subang airports, will add five new routes on October 26 and another 15 in the first quarter of next year, said Angelina Fernandez, its head of communications and marketing.

Come October 26, Firefly will fly from Subang to Johor Baru, Koh Samui (Thailand) and Pekan Baru (Indonesia); and from Penang, it will fly to Medan and Bandar Aceh.

New routes that may be offered next year include Batam, Padang and Palembang in Indonesia and Hua Hin and Trang in Thailand, Fernandez said.

Next year, it would also have started flying out of Johor Baru.

Fernandez said the airline also expects to be able to announce plans for a code-sharing agreement with MAS in the second week of November.

The code-sharing is meant to help it attract passengers from the European market, she added.

Meanwhile, Firefly's complimentary in-flight refreshments which have been available since October 1 will be a new and permanent feature on all flights, she told reporters at the launch in Subang, Selangor, yesterday, together with guest host singer/songwriter Noorulhuda.

The airline will no longer sell light snacks and drinks on its flights.

The new service will cost Firefly an average of RM5 per passenger. The airline will absorb this cost through savings obtained from changing its three aging Fokker 50s to low-maintenance ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft, Fernandez said.

Firefly has bought 10 ATRs, of which it has already taken delivery of three and expects two more to arrive by the year-end. It still uses two of the Fokkers on domestic flights.

"Now, with the ATRs slowly taking over the fleet, we feel the time is right to introduce this new feature as one of our value-added premium services," Fernandez said.

The refreshments will come in a variety of different flavours and items, at a rotation of every two weeks.

"For flights below 45 minutes, passengers are served juices or hot beverages. For (longer) flights, juices and hot beverages are served with the option of cupcakes or light snacks on request," she said.

Firefly Launches Complimentary In-flight Refreshment Service


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, launched its complimentary in-flight refreshment service Thursday.

Its head of communications, Angelina Fernandez said with Fireflys latest aircraft, the ATR 72-500,the arline is able to offer the complimentary in-flight refereshments at no additional charge to passengers.

"We would like to be known as an airline of low fares with incredible value," Fernandez said at the launch.

For flights under 45 minutes, passengers are served juices or hot beverages and for those taking longer, it is juices or hot beverages served with an option of cupcakes/light snacks on request.

Firefly operates from Penang and Subang airport at present.

According to Fernandez, from Oct 26, Firefly will fly from Subang to Johor Bahru, Koh Samui (Thailand) and Pekan Baru (Indonesia) while from Penang, it is to Medan and Banda Acheh.

"By the first quarter of next year we will have a total of 34 destinations. We are also exploring code-sharing possibilities with other airlines to attract European pasengers," she said.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly to announce code-share with MAS in Nov
by Gan Yen Kuan, 17 Oct 2008 3:32 PM
THEEDGEDAILY

SUBANG JAYA: Budget carrier Firefly will announce code-share arrangements with its parent Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) and other airlines in the second week of November, Firefly head of communications and marketing Angelina Fernandez said.

She said the imminent code-share arrangements would enable Firefly to tap the European travellers segment. In the airline industry, a code-share agreement enables a flight operated by an airline to be jointly marketed and sold by one or more other airlines.

"We are working on a code-sharing platform with Malaysia Airlines, as well as with other airlines through Malaysia Airlines. They are connecting us to the international market.

"There is a lot of potential from the European market, especially (for connections) to Terengganu and Thailand," she told reporters after launching Firefly's complimentary in-flight refreshments here yesterday.

It was reported in August that Firefly was in talks with China Airlines and Cathay Pacific for possible code-share agreements.

Firefly currently operates 14 routes out of its hubs in Penang and Subang. Fernandez said it would add five new routes beginning Oct 26, namely Subang-Johor Bahru, Subang-Koh Samui, Subang-Pekanbaru, Penang-Banda Aceh and Penang-Medan.

On top of the five new routes, Firefly would add another 15 routes to Thailand and Indonesia by the first quarter of next year, she said, adding that Johor Bahru would become its third hub by then.

At the event yesterday, Firefly announced that passengers onboard all of its flights could enjoy drinks and snacks free of charge effective Oct 1. Fernandez said such complimentary refreshments incurred an additional cost of RM5 per passenger on average.

However, she said the carrier was able to absorb the additional cost using the savings it derived from operating the new ATR72-500 turboprop aircraft, which consumes much less fuel compared with the Fokker 50.

Firefly perkenal 5 destinasi baru
Oleh Mohd Firdaus Yon
bhnews@bharian.com.my
Penerbangan kadar murah domestik dan luar negara boleh guna hab di Bayan Lepas, Subang

JOHOR BAHRU: Syarikat penerbangan tambang murah milik Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS), Fly Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) akan memperkenalkan lima destinasi baru bagi membolehkan pelanggan menikmati perjalanan domestik dan luar negara dengan kadar lebih murah serta jaminan perkhidmatan terbaik.

Destinasi terbaru itu ialah Johor Bahru, Koh Samui, Thailand; Banda Aceh, Medan dan Pekanbaru, Indonesia.



Ketua Jualan Fly Firely, Muizzuddin Mahmud, berkata semua destinasi baru itu boleh dinaiki di dua hab lapangan terbang Firefly iaitu di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Bayan Lepas (LTBL), Pulau Pinang dan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (LTSAS), Subang.

Katanya, lima destinasi itu juga akan menjadi fokus utama kepada syarikat penerbangan berkenaan untuk memberikan keistimewaan serta pilihan kepada pelanggan yang menggunakan perkhidmatan Firefly sekali gus bertepatan dengan matlamat dan hala tuju syarikat.

"Pelbagai usaha sedang giat dijalankan bagi memberi peluang kepada pelanggan untuk memilih Firefly sebagai syarikat penerbangan pilihan. Terbaru, Firefly akan mengadakan penerbangan sulung ke Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail (LTSI), Senai pada 26 Oktober ini.

“Firefly tidak akan memberi saingan sebaliknya menjanjikan jaminan keselesaan dan keseronokan penerbangan kepada pelanggan.

“Dari Subang, pelanggan boleh menikmati laluan empat destinasi pelancongan baru ke Johor Bahru; Koh Samui, Medan, Pekanbaru dan Medan, manakala dari Pulau Pinang boleh terbang ke dua destinasi baru ke Banda Aceh dan Medan," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas Majlis Pelancaran Pameran Pelancongan Pelangi 2008 anjuran Pelangi Berhad di Atrium Plaza Pelangi di sini, kelmarin.

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/10/23/f_01m_e8e5356.jpg

Firefly offers all-in-pricing
Published: 2008/10/24

The move towards transparency is to offer customers the full breakdown of charges in order for them to plan and budget accordingly, the airline says

FIREFLY, the community airline, now offers all-in-pricing, inclusive of taxes, surcharges and complimentary refreshments on board, on-time departures, 20-kilogram baggage allowance with allocated seating at low fares.

Customers will see a breakdown of what they pay when they book online, the airline said in a statement today.

The separation of fare, taxes and surcharges will be maintained as part of the booking process, it added.

“This bold step in moving towards transparency is to offer customers the full breakdown of charges in order for them to plan and budget accordingly,” Firefly said.

“In conjunction with the launch of our inaugural flights to Sumatra and new routes from Subang to Koh Samui and Johor Baru, we now offer to all our customers in Malaysia, Sumatra and Thailand Firefly's all-in-pricing,” said managing director Eddy Leong. — Bernama

Firefly Makes Inaugural Flight To Sumatera
October 26, 2008 22:17 PM
From Nurulhuda Che Das

RIAU, (INDONESIA) Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, flew into Sumatera Sunday on its inaugural flight from Subang to Pekan Baru, one of the three new routes to the Indonesian province.

Firefly's new aircraft, ATR72-500, departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang to Sultan Syarif Kassim ll Airport in Pekan Baru.

The aircraft arrived at 12.05 pm local time and was welcomed by the Kepala Dinas Perhubungan Ir Faizal Q Karim M. Eng accompanied by the Malaysian Consulate to Pekan Baru, Mohd Nasri A. Rahman.

Firefly's Head of Sales Department, Muizzuddin Mahmud said the two other routes are from Penang to Medan and from Penang to Banda Acheh.

"We hope that in the first month, the number of passengers would increase to 60-70 percent of the total capacity of 72 passengers at any one time," he said at a press conference after launching Firefly's inaugural flight ceremony here.

Muizzuddin said the new route would benefit citizens from both countries as they would be able to utilise low fares travelling with Firefly and enjoy its complimentary premium services.

"With the daily direct flight between Pekan Baru and Subang, travellers from both countries can visit their families and friends, seek medical treatment from established medical centres, engage in commerce and also enable students to enrol at internationally recognised universities and colleges," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly urged to build community terminal in Penang
Updated: Monday October 27, 2008 MYT 2:46:54 PM
By NG SU-ANN

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged Firefly to build a community terminal in Penang.

He said the state government was prepared to make its land available for such a facility.

“Firefly can not only be unique on the air but also on the ground. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

“We will also appeal to the Transport Ministry to upgrade the existing airport to be world standards. It is now functional but we need to be more than that,” he told newsmen Sunday after welcoming passengers from the budget airline’s inaugural flight from Bandar Aceh in Indonesia to Penang.

Lim also urged Firefly to introduce flights between Penang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

“By flying to Ho Chi Minh, we can create new synergies in tourism and business. The city is one of the growth centres in the world.

“Firefly should have the foresight of flying there before other carriers beat it to that,” he added.

On the community terminal proposal, Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said as the airline grows, it will work with Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAB) to improve on its services.

He also said Firefly was more focused on providing a feeder service to Penang while Malaysia Airlines took care of the long haul flights.

“Ho Chi Minh City was initially in our plan but we took it out. With the economic crisis, we have to look at the ‘low-hanging fruits’ first such as Sumatera and Southern Thailand,” he added.

Build terminal, airline urged
Tuesday October 28, 2008

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/10/28/north/airline.jpg

Warm welcome: Lim welcoming passengers from Firefly's inaugural from
Bandar Aceh to Penang at Penang International Airport.

PENANG Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged Firefly to build a community terminal in Penang.

He said the state government was prepared to make land available for such a facility.

“We will also appeal to the Transport Ministry to upgrade the existing airport to world standard.

“It is now functional but we need to be more than that,” he told newsmen after welcoming passengers on Firefly’s inaugural flight from Bandar Aceh in In-donesia to Penang on Sunday.

Lim also urged Firefly to introduce flights between Penang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

“By flying to Ho Chi Minh City, we can create new synergies in tourism and business. The city is one of the growth centres in the world.

“Firefly should have the foresight of flying there before other carriers beat it to that,” he added.

On the community terminal proposal, Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said as the airline grew, it would work with the Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAB) to improve on its services.

He also said Firefly was more focused on providing a feeder service to Penang while Malaysia Airlines took care of the long haul flights.

“Ho Chi Minh City was initially in our plan but we took it out. With the economic crisis, we have to look at the low hanging fruits first such as Sumatra and southern Thailand,” he added.

600,000 dijangka guna Firefly



FIREFLY Sdn Bhd (Firefly), syarikat penerbangan komuniti Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) menjangka lebih 600,000 penumpang bakal menggunakan perkhidmatan penerbangan syarikat itu sepanjang tahun ini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong, berkata sejak diperkenalkan April tahun lalu, perkhidmatan penerbangan komuniti berkenaan semakin diterima ramai dan mendapat sambutan baik daripada pelanggan dalam dan luar negara.

Menurutnya, walaupun Firefly baru berusia 18 bulan, ia sudah mempunyai 14 destinasi penerbangan di dalam negara dan luar negeri termasuk Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Kuantan dan Phuket.

Menurutnya, bermula kelmarin, Firefly mula melakukan penerbangan ke lima lagi destinasi baru iaitu dari Subang ke Johor Bahru, Koh Samui (Thailand) dan Pekan Baru (Indonesia).

“Turut dilancarkan, penerbangan dari Pulau Pinang ke Medan dan Pulau Pinang ke Banda Aceh dengan sasaran 1.5 juta penumpang menjelang tahun depan.

“Sasaran ini bakal diperolehi apabila Firefly menambah pesawat baru menjadikan keseluruhannya 10 pesawat ATR72-500,” katanya selepas pelancaran penerbangan perdana bersama wakil media.

Firefly starts direct flights from Subang to Koh Samui
Thursday October 30, 2008
By SAM CHEONG
TheStar

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Touchdown: Flight FY3608 arriving at Koh Samui airport.

FLIGHT FY3608 landed safely at Koh Samui in Thailand on Oct 26, signifying a milestone for Malaysian low-cost carrier Firefly.

All the 71 passengers, anong whom were Malaysian media representatives, alighted from the ATR-72-500 twin turbo propeller aircraft at 10.35am local time to a rousing welcome by local officials, including the Firefly staff members, hotel operators, Thai Tourism Authority and provincial government representatives.

The two-hour flight was the airline’s first direct flight from Subang. The service is expected to boost the regional economy, in tandem with other regional destinations within Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand offered by the airlines.

Prior to the direct flight from Subang’s Terminal 3, the airline had been commuting four times a week to Koh Samui from Penang (Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays).

The Firefly flights from Subang are also scheduled four times weekly. The airline’s head of communications and marketing, Angelina Fernandez, said more destinations had been picked within Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and services are scheduled to begin early next year.

She added that with the direct service from Subang to Koh Samui, more first-time travellers were expected to check out the destination.


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Welcome: A Thai official garlanding a passenger who arrived
at Koh Samui aboard Firefly’s inaugural flight from Subang


Fernandez said the airline also included a holiday package to the island that lies off the Kra Ithmus. Options range from air fares, starting from RM180 per person, to a three-day/two-night hotel stay and ticketing package for RM2,800.

She encouraged travellers to take advantage of the airline’s on-line promotions that cover low fare for a return trip as well as accommodation options.

For details on Firefly’s weekly direct flights to Koh Samui, log on to www.fireflyz.com.my.

Firefly seeks nod for Penang-Singapore flights
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2008/11/04



FIREFLY'S bid to make Penang its secondary hub by next year is expected to see the budget airline offering flights between Penang and Singapore.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the company is applying to the Transport Ministry to operate the route.

It is also seeking permission to offer direct flights from Penang to Johor Baru, which it hopes to start by the second quarter of next year.

International flights from Penang are likely to include those to Krabi and Hua Hin in Thailand, he added.

"We are also exploring other new routes within Asean by 2010, in tandem with the liberalisation of the Asean skies," he told Business Times.

Leong said the move to make Penang International Airport the secondary hub for Firefly by the middle of next year, will see three of the company's newly-purchased ATR 72-500 planes based on the island, together with its crew.

"We remain committed to our business plan, even in the face of a financial crisis, because when there is a crisis, there is always an opportunity to take a leadership role," he added.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, is expected to take full delivery of all 10 new ATRs by the end of 2009.

"We are also applying to the Transport Ministry to allow us to increase our flight frequencies between Penang and Medan and most likely, between Penang and Banda Aceh as well," said Leong.

Meanwhile, new destinations which are likely to be offered by Firefly from its Subang airport base next year include flights to Alor Star, Kuantan and Kertih.

"The Subang-Singapore route is likely to start before we fly from Penang to Singapore," said Leong.

So, what happen to Ipoh then? The last time when Pak Lah went to Ipoh for election campaign, he mentioned that Ipoh will in the included in the Firefly routes, when the new purchase due to arrive on Aug 2008.

I think Firefly should concentrate on local airport instead of spreading the wings outside Malaysia.

It looks like Ipoh is really a forgotten or neglected city in Malaysia. It is not surprised that BN lost control of Perak State.

Yeah. Seriously Firefly needs to concentrate on domestic routes. Firefly doesnt fly to Alor Star out of Subang but we need it. KLIA's MTB and LCCT are quite far from KL compared to Subang.

Yeah. Seriously Firefly needs to concentrate on domestic routes. Firefly doesnt fly to Alor Star out of Subang but we need it. KLIA's MTB and LCCT are quite far from KL compared to Subang.

Yeah, even Air Asia fly 2 times to Alor Star now!

Fly direct to Koh Samui from KL


KUALA LUMPUR: Now you can fly direct from Subang airport to Koh Samui on Firefly's new route for only RM180.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, is flying direct from Subang airport to the Thai island four times a week.

The service was launched recently with an inaugural flight by the airline's new ATR72-500 turboprop aircraft.

Firefly head of communications and marketing Angelina Fernandez said: "We can now expect many first-time leisure travellers to Koh Samui from KL, now that we are connecting the capital of Malaysia directly through this route.

"More people will be able to experience what Koh Samui has to offer. We are also honoured to be able to encourage the people of Thailand to visit KL and Malaysia."

She said this new route would enable expatriates living in Malaysia to do their "visa runs" and at the same time take the opportunity to explore Malaysia via the new route.

"We expect Koh Samui to be one of our top Thailand destinations and we are happy to provide the service, which is why we have holiday packages via Firefly Holidays," she said.

Firefly Holidays packages start from as low as RM180 per person to RM 2800 for a three day, two night stay.

Firefly Holidays also takes group bookings of ten people or more. The airline also customises packages to suit the needs of clients.

Yeah. Seriously Firefly needs to concentrate on domestic routes. Firefly doesnt fly to Alor Star out of Subang but we need it. KLIA's MTB and LCCT are quite far from KL compared to Subang.

firefly focus right now is the indon/thai/peninsular malaysia "growth triangle". these are the market they are rooting for. markets are bigger on medan/padang/phuket/palembang/pekan-baru/patanni/suratani than going to alor star.

business opportunity is too great to be blinded by patriotism alone. besides, firefly is going there, it's carrying malaysia's name, what's more patriotic than that?

yeah i know they are rooting for ASEAN growth triangle. this is just another expression of demand from here, no hard pushing for Firefly though.

:)

Firefly to launch Kerteh service next year
Saturday November 8, 2008

KUALA TERENGGANU: Domestic airline Firefly Sdn Bhd is expanding its wings with a new route serving passengers in Kerteh, Terengganu, from next year.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said that four weekly flights would land at Kerteh airport, apart from Firefly’s current route to Kuala Terengganu.

The flights, he said, would enable passengers to commute between Kerteh and Subang Airport in Selangor.

“The service will be a boon for Kemaman folk, especially those in the petroleum industry who can now fly directly to Kuala Lumpur.

“Passengers from towns in Kemaman can save the hassle of driving to the Kuala Terengganu or Kuantan airports,” he said after chairing the weekly exco meeting here.

Ahmad said that facilities at Kerteh airport were adequate to accommodate requirements for domestic flights.

“Kerteh airport was much better than Kuala Terengganu airport until it was upgraded last year,” he said.

Ahmad said the state was willing to absorb the airport tax for international flights landing directly at Sultan Mahmud Airport.

He said this would help the state promote tourism.

Ahmad said the state would hold talks with related aviation companies on the matter tomorrow.

He added some cargo handlers, especially those in the oil and gas industries, were keen to use the airport as a hub, and the state was considering their proposals.

Firefly stopover service a big hit
By CHOI TUCK WO


LONDON: Firefly is tapping the international stopover market by offering its much-touted “low-fare and incredible value” offer for long-haul travellers.

More than 20 international travel firms have registered with the airline to act as agents to provide stopovers in Malaysia.

Marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said the stopovers could allow the passengers to take the airline’s direct connecting flights to other domestic destinations or to Thailand and Indonesia.

She said they were overwhelmed by the response from travel agents from countries such as Britain, the United States, Sweden, Germany, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and India.

“One agent from the Maldives even pledged to bring the first batch of travellers for stopovers in Subang and Penang next week,” she said at the four-day World Travel Market at Excel London which ends today.

Angelina said they had provided a new venue for travel agents who faced connecting problems domestically such as high costs, long travelling time and distance.

She also said agents were surprised with Firefly’s 20kg baggage allowance for domestic flights, compared with the usual 10kg or 15kg.

The airline also provided assigned seating and complimentary in-flight refreshments and snacks which were a welcome change for an airline offering low fares.

“We’re not a low-budget airline but we offer low fares at extremely incredible value.” Angelina said most agents requested for popular diving destinations such Redang, Perhentian, Penang, Bandar Aceh, Koh Samui, Phuket and Johor Baru.

She said they also offered competitive pricing where long-haul travellers could fly to any destination within Malaysia for as low as £10 (RM60).

From there, they could take connecting flights to Langkawi or Koh Samui for a few days, before flying to Terengganu or Medan.

Hello, I'm new here and this is my first post. I've been reading all along this time (starts July 2008). So, I dont really understand about that stopover.

DOES IT MEAN THAT FIREFLY WILL GO INTERCONTINENTAL?????

Firefly got its 4th ATR this late October. If you dont believe. Se at

http://www.airliners.net/photo/FireFly/ATR%20ATR-72-500%20(ATR-72-212A)/1420483/L/&width=1024&height=695&sok=WHERE__%28airline_LIKE_%27Firefly%25%27_OR_airline_LIKE_%27LOT_-_Polish_Airlines_ESCSLASH_Polskie_Linie_Lotnicze_%28Malaysia_Airlines%29%25%27%29_AND_%28year__like_%272008%25%27%29__2008&sort=_order_by_reg_&photo_nr=19&prev_id=1420484&next_id=1420734#

So far that they got 4 ATR just in 3 month.

AirAsia and Firefly trying to ensure passage home for all


PETALING JAYA: More help is on the way for those stranded in Thailand due to the turmoil there. AirAsia and Firefly are mounting extra flights to enable them to leave.

AirAsia will have two extra flights to the U-Tapao airbase near Bangkok, and Firefly another two to Phuket.

The first AirAsia flight will depart from the LCCT today and the second tomorrow, the low-cost carrier said in a statement yesterday.

Flights will leave the LCCT at 4.25pm on both days, with the return flights taking off at 6pm Thai time.

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Returning home: Passengers with confirmed seats boarding a bus in Bangkok for the U-Tapao airport yesterday. — Bernama

AirAsia said passengers would be provided free bus transport between Bangkok and U-Tapao.

Passengers in Bangkok are ad**vised to assemble at the Novotel Bangna Bangkok Hotel at 10am Thai time for check-in and not proceed directly to U-Tapao.

All AirAsia flights to and from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Inter*national Airport today have been cancelled as it is still closed.

Those who wish to board the extra flights urgently may contact the airline’s 24-hour emergency hotlines at +662-5159999 in Bangkok and +603-86604554 in Malaysia.

Firefly said that of its two additional flights to Phuket today, one would be from Subang and the other from Penang.

“We are mounting the extra flights mainly to provide alternatives for passengers who are keen to return home to Malaysia or to their final destination,” managing director Eddy Leong said.

The flight from Subang will take off at 9.35am and depart Phuket at 10.35am Thai time, and that from Penang will depart at 7.19pm and return at 7.45pm Thai time.

Extra flights from Subang airport to Koh Samui have yet to be confirmed.

The budget airline had mounted five other flights to the two Thai islands since Saturday.

For more information, visit http://www.fireflyz.com.my.

Firefly now flies to Medan from Subang


PETALING JAYA: Travellers can now fly directly to Medan from Subang airport with Firefly’s newly-launched route to the northern Sumatra city.

There is one flight daily departing from Subang at 2.15pm local time and arriving in Medan at 2.30pm Indonesian time, the airline said in a statement yesterday.

The return flight leaves Medan at 2.50pm and arrives at Subang at 5.05pm. Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said more flights would be introduced to the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle by August.

The carrier currently flies to Medan from Penang. Other Sumatra flights include Penang-Banda Aceh and Subang-Pekanbaru.

Firefly launches new Medan–Subang route
02-12-2008:

MEDAN: Firefly, the wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS), started direct flights between Subang and Medan in Indonesia yesterday.

The aircraft departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang at 2.15pm and arrived at Polonia Airport, Medan, at 2.30pm (the local time in Medan). Daily scheduled flights depart from Subang at 2.15pm and the return flight from Medan arrive here at 5.05pm, according to a statement by Firefly.

In the ceremony to mark the inaugural flight, the Governor of Medan H Syamsul Arifin SE said Firefly’s direct connectivity from Subang-Kuala Lumpur to Medan is unique and is very much welcomed by the citizens of Medan.

"Its unique feature is in its airport location, which is only 20 minutes away from the city,” he said.

Firefly's managing director, Eddy Leong said the airline's network expansion into Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand is proceeding at full speed and is on track.

“In fact by the end of the first quarter of 2009, we will be introducing many more new destinations in this growth triangle. We have also started marketing our Sumatra routes for stopovers to long-haul travellers and with the launch of Firefly’s code share with our parent company, Malaysia Airlines, in early 2009, Medan can definitely expect an exponential growth of visitors."

By August next year, Firefly is expected to operate with 10 ATR72-500 aircraft, which are turbo prop planes, serving both domestic and regional routes. The airline is also keen to start routes into other Sumatran provinces such as Jambi, Padang, Bengkulu and Pangkal Pinang, as well as Pulau Batam and Thailand by next year using three hubs –- Subang, Penang and Johor Bahru.

Airline all set for the future


FIREFLY is looking ahead to become the official airline for the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).

Managing director Eddy Leong said that the network expansion into Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand was proceeding at full speed.

He said the company had already submitted a request and there would be a meeting to discuss the matter soon.

“As an official airline, we are also asking for more destinations in Sumatera.

“However, there are only a few international airports, so we are asking for immigration facilities to be set up at more airports.

“We also want them to be more lenient on traffic ride arrangements between cities in the IMT-GT region.

“In early 2009, Medan can expect an exponential growth in visitors with the launch of Firefly’s code share with our parent company Malaysia Airlines.

“We have 5 aircraft and are getting another five next year, so we are slowly progressing,” Leong said when greeting Firefly’s inaugural flight from Subang to Medan on Dec 1 at Polonia Airport.

He also said that they would be introducing many more new destinations in the growth triangle like Padang, Jambi, Palembang and Batam.

Selangor Tourism Action Council Chairman Datuk Subahan Kamal and his team from the Malaysia Tourism Office made their way to Medan via the first direct flight from Subang.

Subahan was welcomed by Leong as well as representatives from the North Sumatara Tourism Board in Medan, Malaysia Tourism Board, North Sumatra Chamber of Commerce and Medan governor Syamsul Arifin SE.

Medan now a whole lot closer, thanks to Firefly
Story and Photos by FAZLEENA AZIZ


IF you are planning a trip to Medan, Indonesia, remember to say Horas, a popular phrase among locals that is widely used to express good wishes.

It can be used at the beginning or at the end of a conversation as well as during bargaining.

Horas is also a greeting frequently used in everyday life by the Batak people from North Sumatera. Medan is the home of the Batak people and the capital city.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/6/central/m_28laketoba.jpg
Secnic: A view of Lake Toba.

It is a place with majestic views, rich soil and lush greenery with a population of 2.5mil people.

The city also has a mixed community with a large number of Chinese andsome Indians.

Medan’s most popular tourist spot is Lake Toba, a supervolcano located about 170km from the city.

Getting to Lake Toba will take about five hours on a two-way winding road through various districts and villages.

Those who would like a nibble can stop at Paten to get local snacks known as Teng Teng or Tung Tung.

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Breathtaking: The majestic Sipisopisa Waterfall near Togging Hill.

From Parapat town on the shores of Lake Toba, a 45-minute boat ride will take visitors to Samosir Island, a centre for the Batak culture and people.

To get up close with the Batak, a trip to Kampung Ambrika and Kampung Tomo gives tourists a glimpse of how they had lived 500 years ago.

According to Medan tour expert Sudy RJ, the Bataks are known for their wood works.

“A common feature seen among the Batak is the lizard, which is believed to be a protector against bad things.

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On the waterfront: Serene sight of buildings by the shore

“You can see the lizards in their wood works and homes. The Bataks like to live in the highlands and usually you would see the women working the fields.

“The like to use black, white and red colours, a combination said to bring strength.

Sudy said that back in the day, it was an honour for the Bataks to have 17 sons and 16 daughters.

Berastagi is another town with many colourful fruit and vegetable market. It is famous for its passion fruit, which can be found at the local market.

The main attractions of the town are an active volcano – Gunung Sibayak – and its hot springs.

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Yummy: A selection of local fruits at the market.

A view that can not be missed is the Sipisopisa Waterfall near Togging Hill. The majestic 120m cascade is a breathtaking sight that is popular among tourists.

In another four years, people visiting Lake Toba can look out for the Taman Simalem Resort.

The resort is located 45 minutes away from Berastagi.

It will offer a golf course, park, convention centre, cafes, zoopark, jungle trekking, camping ground and agrotourism opportunities.

Those seeking an adventure can opt to go rafting at Sungai Bingei in Langkat.

It has a grade 2-3 international river classification with many rapids and guides will accompany groups of five down the 3km course.

However, visitors will need to stop at Kampung Namutating to get their gear and take a bumpy ride on a lorry to get to the rafting starting point.

Medan city centre has a very modern atmosphere with many shopping complexes like Sun Plaza, Medan Mall and Medan Fair Plaza.

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Intricate details: Wood carvings are a popular souvenir.

For bargains, head to the Pasar Ikan to get colourful handmade embroidered materials, sarong, batik, curtains, bed spread, head scarves and telekung.

Prices there are negotiable but shoppers need to be aware of what they are buying and always check their bags.

There is a variety of Indonesian and Chinese food in Medan but, for Muslim travellers, look out for the B1 (for dog meat) and B2 (for pork meat) signs before entering the restaurants.

There are several historic places such as Maimun Palace, where the royal family still lives, and the Great Mosque or Masjid Raya built by the Sultan of Deli in the hear of the city.

Over at Merdeka Walk, people can chill out until midnight and eat at the various cafes and restaurants.

Flying to Medan is now more convenient and easy from Subang airport with Firefly.

The journey takes about one hour and 15 minutes on Firefly’s ATR72-500 aircraft.

The inaugural flight to Medan from Subang saw Selangor Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Subahan Kamal and his entourage from the Malaysia Tourism Office landing at the Polonia Airport on Dec 1.

Subahan was greeted by Firefly managing director Eddy Leong.

Representatives from the North Sumatara Tourism Board in Medan, Malaysia Tourism Board, North Sumatra Chamber of Commerce and the governor of Medan Syamsul Arifin SE also welcomed the team from Malaysia.

Leong said that there has been a lot of interest among people from Malaysia.

“Medan is a popular destination and now with the flight from Subang, it is nearer and the cost is lower.

“The response has been good, the volume of passengers is about 70% to 80% on weekends and about 60% on weekends,” Leong said.

Firefly removes fuel surcharge for all flights
Published: 2008/12/16


THE country’s community airline, Firefly, has completely removed fuel surcharge for all its destinations, both domestic and international, from today.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the removal of fuel surcharge was in line with the recent drop in the global oil prices.

“On top of this, our new aircraft, the ATR72-500, has proved its efficiency in fuel usage,” he said at a media briefing on the"un-fare” and “un-fuel surcharge” programmes at the Malaysia Airlines complex in Subang today.

The airline had previously charged RM27 in fuel surchage for domestic flights while the charge for international routes varied depending on the location.

For its “un-fare” programme, Firefly from tomorrow will offer deals that allow people to buy a ticket from as low as RM35 for one-way trip.

“All inclusive, no extra charges but the public is advised to make bookings at least 21 days ahead,” Leong said.

During the off peak season, the airline will be offering its lowest fares with discount of up to 80 per cent or even zero fare, he said.

It will also offer attractive and value-for-money packages during the high peak season such as festive seasons, and school and year-end holidays, he added.

Leong said the programmes were to reward loyal customers and was also a good catalyst to attract people to travel.

“This initiative acknowledges the current economic situation and the need to provide more affordable and transparent air fares for business and leisure travellers,” he said.

The average load factor for the airline is currently at around 70 per cent.

Firely has five aircraft at present and will be getting another five by April next year and onwards.

It plans to introduce more new destinations with additional flights in the Growth Triangle like Padang, Jambi, Pelambang and Batam.

On the Singapore route, Leong said the airline was still hoping to operate the route and waiting for the government’s response.

The airline operates under FlyFirely Sdn Bhd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. — Bernama

http://www.fireflyz.com.my/

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Zero airfare promotion from Firefly
Updated: Tuesday December 16, 2008 MYT 5:56:22 PM

PETALING JAYA: Travellers will be able to enjoy zero airfare for unutilised tickets put on sale by Firefly under its ‘Totally Un-fare’ promotion.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong, who said there was an average of 40% of surplus tickets in any one flight, added that travellers would have to book their tickets at least 21 days in advanced to enjoy the promotion. However, those who travelled during peak periods, including festive seasons, and school and year-end holidays would have to pay the normal fares.

“This new fare structure is to encourage people to travel during off-peak seasons to regional and domestic destinations,” he said at a press conference here on Tuesday.

Leong said the surplus tickets would be made available based on the company’s forecast and market feedback. The cheapest deals start from RM35 one way from Subang to Penang, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu and Langkawi. The fare is inclusive of administration fee and airport tax.

Travellers can start booking their tickets from today till Dec 23. The travel period will be between Jan 1 and April 30.

Leong also announced the removal of the fuel surcharge on tickets to all of Firefly’s destinations, both domestic and international.

Travellers are expected to save RM27 one way on fuel surcharge for domestic destinations while the fuel surcharge savings varies for international destinations.

Firefly will continue flying to present destinations


PETALING JAYA: Firefly will continue to service the Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand markets despite the current global market slowdown, says FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong.

“So far, we have not been affected by the slowdown. We will proceed with our strategy to cater only to these countries for the moment as demand is still high,” he told a press conference to announce the Firefly Totally Un-Fare travel discount programme yesterday.

Firefly’s destinations were still lucrative as it was catering to people who wanted to fly to nearby places for holiday, meeting relatives or for university students, Leong said.

He said travelling by road and rail had been the only mode of affordable travel for the public masses for a long time. But now, it was no longer the case as Firefly had made it much more economical to fly.


Fir efly’s destinations are still lucrative as it caters to people who travel to nearby places for holiday, meeting relatives or for university students

“With affordable ticket prices, we are pushing for more domestic travel too as Malaysia has a lot of interesting places to go for holiday. This is part of our effort with Tourism Malaysia to boost local tourism,” he said.

At the recent announcement in the World Travel Mart in London, Firefly said it would serve the long-haul stopover travellers to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

With an estimated 20 million tourist arrivals to the country next year, the airline was dedicated to encourage travellers from around the world to extend their holidays to Firefly’s destinations, he said.

Currently, Firefly has five European-made ATR72-500s aircraft, flying from Subang and Penang.

Another five new planes will be added next year in its business expansion plan to include new destinations in Singapore, Sumatra and Thailand.

Firefly offers unsold tickets at zero fare


PETALING JAYA: Travellers will now be able to enjoy zero air fare for Firefly’s surplus tickets under the airline’s Totally Un-fare promotion.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said travellers need to pay only the administration fees and airport tax for the unutilised tickets.

There is an average of 40% surplus tickets for any one flight, but travellers would have to book their journey at least 21 days in advance to enjoy the promotion.

However, he said, those who travel during peak periods, including festive seasons, and school and year-end holidays would have to pay the normal fare.

“The new fare structure is to encourage people to travel during off-peak periods to regional and domestic destinations,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Leong said the surplus tickets would be made available based on the company’s forecast and market feedback.

The cheapest deals start from RM35, for a one-way ticket from Subang to Penang, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu or Langkawi.

Travellers can start booking their tickets from today till Dec 23.

The travel period will be between Jan 1 and April 30.

Leong also announced the removal of fuel surcharge on all tickets to all Firefly’s destinations, both domestic and international.

Travellers are expected to save RM27 on each one-way ticket for domestic destinations while the fuel surcharge savings varies for international destinations.

Firefly already cash positive
by Joy Lee May Yen
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

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SUBANG: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines System Bhd (MAS), is already operating as a cash positive entity and expects to grow profitability next year, said its managing director Eddy Leong.

“We have broken even from a cash perspective. But from a profit and loss standpoint for this year and last year, we had marginal losses. But we have no problems cash flow-wise,” Leong said after its media briefing on the “un-fare” and “un-fuel surcharge” programmes yesterday.

“We aim to make a profit next year and we are driving our revenue through these programmes and also through our new aircraft. So, it is definitely achievable,” he said.

Firefly, which was launched in April 2007, has removed fuel surcharge for all its destinations in line with the drop in global oil prices. As for its “un-fare” programme, Firefly would offer deals that allow people to buy tickets from as low as RM35 for a one-way trip.

Leong said the removal of fuel surcharge would not affect its earnings as it would be offset by higher sale of seats with the lower ticket prices. Currently, Firefly’s average load factor is about 70%. Leong does not foresee any drop in its load factor next year.

He also said Firefly did not expect any slowdown in business amid the financial crisis as its flights were not solely catered to those on leisure trips.

“It is because of our network. Our passengers are people like business people and students. So, we are quite insulated from the slowdown. The slowdown mainly affects leisure but people are flying closer to home now. So, actually we have benefited from it,” he said.

On top of that, Firefly’s new aircraft, the 72 seat-ATR72-500, has proved its efficiency in fuel usage and would increase its revenue potential by 44% due to its additional 22 seats compared with its Fokker F50 planes previously, Leong said.

It has five aircraft at present and would be getting another five by April next year. On the Singapore route, Leong said the airline was still hoping to operate the route and was waiting for the government’s response.

It also plans to expand its base to Kota Kinabalu in 2011 and Johor Bahru depending on the development of Iskandar Malaysia. Firefly currently flies from two hubs, Penang and Subang.

It would introduce more destinations next year with additional flights to Padang, Jambi, Palembang and Batam in Indonesia.

Firefly bids farewell to its Fokkers
Updated: Sunday December 21, 2008 MYT 8:25:58 PM

PETALING JAYA: MAS subsidiary Firefly has replaced its Fokker 50s fleet with the French-made ATR 72-500.

It received its fifth ATR at a ceremony at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang on Sunday, with another five aircraft arriving next year.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the company was proud to finally operate with the new ATRs from Toulouse, France but was equally emotionally to bid farewell to the Fokkers.

Firefly started operations in April last year by leasing two Fokkers from MAS and a third Fokker subleased from MASWings.

“The ATR 72-500 is the critical component fuelling Firefly’s aggressive network expansion in 2008 and 2009,” said Leong.

He said the 72-seat aircraft was equipped with a state-of-the-art cabin interior, comfortable seats with ample leg room and reduced cabin noise – courtesy of modern acoustic technology.

He said the ATR would reduce Firefly’s operating costs by up to 20% on fuel and maintenance.

“Consequently, on Dec 16, we decided to remove the fuel surcharge for all our flights,” he said.

Firefly fleet change completed
Published: 2008/12/22


FIREFLY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), has completed its fleet change with five brand new ATR 72-500 aircraft, replacing the Fokker-50 used previously by the carrier.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the new aircraft would replace three Fokker-50 turboprop aircraft leased from MAS since the launch of Firefly in April last year.

"It is indeed an emotional day for us to bid farewell to our Fokker-50s as they had served us well during the start-up stage," he told reporters at a Farewell to Firefly's Fokker-50s ceremony in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Leong said two of the Fokker-50s had been returned to MAS and MASWings - another subsidiary of MAS - while the third one would be returned to MAS on December 31.

He said Firefly, which received its first ATR 72-500 last August, will be getting five more ATR 72-500 by August next year.

"Compared to the Fokker-50, the 72-seat ATR would give us 44 per cent additional revenue capacity while reducing operating cost by as much as 20 per cent, especially in fuel and maintenance," Leong said. - Bernama

New ATRs for Firefly


PETALING JAYA: MAS subsidiary Firefly has replaced its Fokker 50s fleet with the French-made ATR 72-500.

It received its fifth ATR at a ceremony at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang yesterday with another five aircraft arriving next year.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/22/nation/n_29firefly.jpg
Network expansion: Firefly pilots pose in front of the airline’s latest addition to its fleet of ATR 72-500 Sunday.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the company was proud to finally operate with the new ATRs from Toulouse, France but was equally emotional about bidding farewell to the Fokkers. Firefly started operations in April last year by leasing two Fokkers from MAS and a third Fokker subleased from MASWings.

“The ATR 72-500 is the critical component fuelling Firefly’s aggressive network expansion in 2008 and 2009,” said Leong.

He said the 72-seat aircraft was equipped with a state-of-the-art cabin interior, comfortable seats with ample leg room and reduced cabin noise. He added that the ATR would reduce Firefly’s operating costs by up to 20% on fuel and maintenance.

Firefly selesai tukar kepada pesawat ATR

PETALING JAYA 21 Dis. - Firefly, anak syarikat milik penuh Malaysia Airlines (MAS), kini melengkapkan pertukaran pesawatnya dengan pesawat baru ATR 72-500, bagi menggantikan Fokker-50 yang digunakan syarikat itu sebelum ini.

Pengarah Urusan Firefly, Eddy Leong berkata, pesawat baru itu akan menggantikan tiga pesawat Turboprop Fokker-50, yang disewa daripada MAS sejak pelancaran Firefly pada April tahun lepas.

"Hakikatnya ini satu hari penuh emosi bagi kita untuk mengucapkan selamat tinggal kepada Fokker-50, pesawat yang telah memberikan perkhidmatan yang baik pada peringkat awal penubuhan syarikat penerbangan ini," katanya kepada pemberita pada satu majlis perpisahan Fokker-50 Firefly di sini hari ini.

Leong berkata, dua pesawat Fokker-50 telah dikembalikan kepada MAS dan MASWings — satu lagi anak syarikat MAS — manakala bakinya akan diserahkan kepada MAS pada 31 Disember.

"Pesawat Fokker-50 ini berusia antara 19 dan 20 tahun... pengeluar asal Fokker tidak lagi mengeluarkan pesawat jenis itu. Oleh itu, dari segi alat ganti ia agak mahal dan sukar. Tetapi dari segi keupayaan pesawat, ia masih selamat digunakan.

"Hakikatnya apabila MAS memperoleh kembali pesawat yang digunakan dan ditawarkan untuk jualan, ia mendapat sambutan beberapa syarikat di Eropah kerana pesawat jenis ini masih digunakan di beberapa bahagian di Eropah dan ia berkeadaan baik," katanya.

Leong berkata, Firefly, yang menerima pesawat ATR72-500 pada Ogos lepas, akan memperoleh lima lagi ATR72-500 menjelang Ogos tahun depan.

"Berbanding Fokker-50, pesawat ATR dengan 72 kerusi akan memberikan kami 44 peratus tambahan keuntungan kapasiti dan menurunkan kos operasi sehingga sebanyak 20 peratus terutamanya dari segi bahan api dan penyelenggaraan," katanya.

- Bernama

Firefly eyes Ipoh, Malacca route
By Marina Emmanuel
Published: 2009/01/08 *
NATIONAL turboprop aircraft operator Firefly is hoping to operate flights out of Ipoh and Malacca this year.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System Bhd is eyeing the Ipoh-Singapore and Malacca-Singapore routes for its summer season which begins in April.

"We have submitted our application to the Transport Ministry and is awaiting approval," he told Business Times.

Leong said both the Malacca and Ipoh airports can accomodate Firefly's ATR 72-500 planes.
"We are focused on routes that other airlines are unable to serve with their jet aircrafts," he said.

Between April and August this year, Firefly will be taking delivery of another five new planes ordered from Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de Transport Rgional (ATR), an Italian-French based aircraft manufacturer.

With its fleet of 10 planes, Leong said, other new routes being applied for this year include Subang-Kerteh, Subang-Bengkulu, Subang-Batam, Subang-Jambi, Subang-Padang, Subang-Pangkal Pinang, Subang-Alor Star, Subang-Kuantan, Penang-Krabi, Penang-Huahin and Penang-Johor Baru.

"For the Singapore routes, we are also eyeing Subang-Singapore, Penang-Singapore, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and Malacca-Singapore."

For 2009, Firefly is expecting to carry about 1.3 million passengers with a projected seat factor of over 70 per cent. In 2008, Firefly carried about 500,000 passengers.

Leong said 2009 will be somewhat challenging for the airline, given the economic slowdown.

"However we believe Firefly is well positioned to capitalise on the situation as our passenger profile is a healthy mix of business traffic, those visiting friends and relatives, foreign workers and leisure travellers."

Firefly now flies to Kerteh


PETALING JAYA: Budget airline Firefly will now fly to Kerteh in Terengganu twice daily from Subang.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said in a statement that the route was the company’s way of committing itself to providing alternative and affordable travel for all Malaysians.

“In addition, the Kerteh route will add convenience to leisure travellers. Well known tourism spots such as Kijal and Cherating are just a few minutes drive from Kerteh.”

Leong said Kerteh would be the airline’s second destination in Terengganu after the state capital.

Firefly tambah laluan baru
KUALA LUMPUR 9 Jan. - Syarikat penerbangan komuniti pertama negara, Firefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) mengumumkan laluan terbarunya daripada Subang ke Kerteh sebagai komitmen untuk meluaskan rangkaian domestiknya.

Laluan terbaru itu, yang pertama ditawarkan oleh syarikat penerbangan tempatan akan dimulakan pada 12 Januari ini, menjadikan penawaran dua destinasi ke Terengganu oleh Firefly.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, laluan baru ini merupakan komitmen Firefly dalam menyediakan penerbangan alternatif dan murah kepada orang ramai.

''Objektif utama kami adalah menyediakan pengangkutan alternatif keluar masuk Kerteh yang lebih ekonomik dari segi masa dan wang ringgit.

''Selain itu, laluan Kerteh ini dapat memudahkan orang ramai pergi bercuti kerana terdapat destinasi pelancongan terkenal seperti Kijal dan Cherating yang terletak beberapa minit daripada lapangan terbang Kerteh,'' katanya dalam kenyataan dikeluarkan di sini hari ini.

Promosi Firefly Totally Un- Fare! juga akan berterusan dengan tawaran tambang rendah setiap hari, setakat 6 Januari lalu terdapat 112,251 tempat duduk serendah RM53 disediakan untuk semua penerbangan domestik.

Nilai terbaik tambang murah Firefly termasuk 20 kilogram (kg) bagasi dibenarkan untuk daftar masuk, tempat duduk yang ditetapkan dan makanan dan minuman ringan disediakan di dalam pesawat serta pesawat baru ATR72-500.

Tiket penerbangan boleh ditempah bermula 8 hingga 15 Januari untuk waktu penerbangan daripada 15 Januari hingga 30 April ini.

Maklumat lanjut boleh didapati di www.fireflyz.com.my< http://www.fireflyz.com. my/>.

Penerbangan pertama Firefly


FIREFLY, syarikat penerbangan komuniti milik Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS), akan melancarkan penerbangan pertama dari Subang ke Kerteh mulai Isnin ini, sejajar komitmen syarikat itu dalam usaha memperluaskan rangkaian penerbangan domestiknya.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong, berkata dua penerbangan sehari dari ke Kerteh itu adalah destinasi kedua Firefly di Terengganu selepas Kuala Terengganu.

Katanya, matlamat utama syarikat adalah untuk menyediakan pengangkutan alternatif bagi keluar masuk ke Kerteh yang lebih ekonomi, kedua-duanya dalam aspek masa dan kewangan.



“Kami berbangga menawarkan laluan penerbangan baru ke Kerteh. Laluan ini adalah komitmen Firefly dalam menyediakan alternatif, pengembaraan yang berpatutan kepada rakyat Malaysia,” katanya dalam kenyataan semalam.

Laluan ke Kerteh itu juga memberikan kemudahan tambahan kepada pengembara dengan pusat pelancongan utama seperti Kijal dan Cherating yang terletak beberapa minit dari Lapangan Terbang Kerteh.

Firefly menerusi kempen ‘Totally Un-Fare’ akan meneruskan tawaran tambang murah harian, dengan kadar serendah RM53 bagi semua penerbangan domestik. Setakat 6 Januari lalu, masih ada 112,251 tempat duduk bagi promosi itu.

Kadar tambang murah Firefly termasuk bayaran daftar masuk bagasi 20 kilogram, tempat duduk bernombor dan makanan dalam pesawat menerusi hab di Subang dan Pulau Pinang dan di semua pesawat barunya, ATR72-500.

Tawaran kadar tambah murah itu bagi tempahan dari 8 hingga 15 Januari ini untuk penerbangan dari 15 Januari hingga 30 April 2009. Maklumat lanjut tempahan boleh melayari www.fireflyz.-com.my.

Firefly Airlines continue growth
by News Desk


Advertisement


In a recent announcement, Firefly Airlines expects to enter a code share agreement with Malaysia Airline by the end of January 2009. The code share is expected to bring more people to Samui using Malaysia Airlines and their Kuala Lumpur gateway.

Samui-based Amsian Travel director, Santi Wongsawat, said “Once the technical side is done, travel agents will be able to see our flights in the GDS system. We can then market the link in Australia, because Australian travellers will save time and expense if they fly to Samui via KL rather than Bangkok.”

“We are also considering the Middle East market, which is one of the strong inbound markets for Malaysia. We believe that it will open more business for Samui, especially during the time that the island needs to find alternate markets to counter recession,” added Wongsawat.

The short-haul weekend market for Firefly Airlines, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System Berhad, is expected to grow further as a result.

“We operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on all [our] three routes, so holiday makers can fly to Samui or Phuket on Friday and return on Sunday or Monday,” commented Wongsawat.

In related news, Firefly has also recently added to its domestic route network launching a new twice-daily flight to Kerteh in Terengganu, Malaysia. This is the second route to Terengganu offered by Firefly, after Kuala Terengganu.

"This route is Firefly´s commitment in providing alternative, affordable travel for all Malaysians. The main objective is to provide alternative transportation into and out of Kerteh that is economical, both in terms of time and money. In addition, to this Kerteh route will also add convenience to leisure travellers, as well-known tourism spots such as Kijal and Cherating is just a few minutes drive from the Kerteh airport,” Firefly managing director, Eddy Leong.

Telco serves up great rewards with Firefly
Friday January 16, 2009

MAXIS Communications Bhd and Firefly announced in a joint press conference recently that Firefly Holiday packages will now be offered to Maxis subscribers as a member privilege through the Maxis Rewards programme.

Maxis Rewards is a loyalty programme that creates privileges for Maxis subscribers. Firefly Holiday packages will be available from January 2009 to Maxis subscribers through this Rewards programme.

“All they have to do is simply send an SMS to receive a promotional code of the preferred package and a Firefly Holiday package will be theirs at a members-only-rate,” Maxis loyalty marketing head Danny Tang said.

Firefly’s marketing head Angelina Fernandez echoed his sentiments, stating that the airline was pleased to be working with a reputable mobile company.

“Firefly also believes in rewarding our loyal customers. Our recent launch of Totally UN-FARE was very much aimed at our loyal passengers.

“Teaming up with Maxis not only enhances Firefly’s branding but it has also motivated us in our efforts to enhance and further improve our customer service level and offerings,” she said.

Firefly confident of staying profitable
Published: 2009/01/22



COMMUNITY airline Firefly is confident of remaining profitable this year based on its 1.4 million passenger target, managing director Eddy Leong said today.

Last year, the wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) carried about 400,000 passengers.

To further support sales and passenger load, he said, the airline will take delivery of another five new ATR 72-500 planes between April and August and fly 19 new routes this year.

Firely now operates on five ATR 72-500 planes and 17 routes — four domestic and 13 regional, he told reporters after the opening of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport ticketing office.

He said Firefly hopes to operate the Subang-Singapore route this year, subject to approval from the Transport Ministry.

Firefly had applied for four times daily flight for the route. - Bernama

Firefly eyes 1.4 million passengers this year
By B.K. SIDHU


SUBANG: Firefly has submitted an application to the authorities for traffic rights to mount flights from several points in Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore.

The airline is hoping to get the nod before April.

It wants four daily flights from Subang and several daily flights from points such as Malacca, Kuala Terengganu, Penang and Kuantan.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/23/business/b_05launch.jpg
Eddy Leong and Firefly staff at the ticketing office launch.

“We have submitted our application but it is subject to approval by the Transport Ministry,’’ managing director Eddy Leong said after officiating the opening of its ticketing office at Terminal 3 in Subang yesterday.

He said the mounting of flights to Singapore was part of the Asean Open Skies policy that allows Asean carriers as many flights as they want between capital cities.

With the additional flights to Singapore and other destinations that Firefly has planned for this year, the airline will increase the number of destinations it serves from 17 currently to 36 by end-2009.

Sources said other Firefly destinations this year included flights originating from Subang to Alor Setar, Jambi, Padang, Palembang, Pangkal Pinang, Bengkulu, Batam, Kuantan, Ipoh and Phuket.

From Penang, it would be Huahin and Krabi, and even the Ipoh-Singapore route was on the charts, they said.

The airline, which operates five turboprops currently and will take delivery of another five this year, is confident of flying 1.4 million passengers in 2009 from 400,000 last year. A turboprop can seat 72 passengers.

The airline would remain a point-to-point carrier and would also be profitable this year, “otherwise we would have to class the business,’’ he said. This is despite the fact that air travel is slowing down and people are more price conscious.

Leong said that even in an economic slowdown, there were people who wanted to travel and he believed Firefly offered very good fares, noting that the airline had done away with its fuel surcharge.

When asked how low could fares go, he said: “Our fares are very reasonable and if you buy early, you can get very low fares of even RM35 one-way. But you have to book one month ahead.”

His advice was one should plan ahead. “Our European travel agents are already making bookings for October/November flights,’’ he said, adding that the booking season was until October.

Leong said the airline’s load factor averaged 60% currently but next week, it should rise to 99% due to the festive season.

Turning to the new office at Subang, he said Firefly intended to open more ticketing offices in Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kota Baru and even Langkawi.

It now has offices in Penang, Johor Baru and points in Indonesia and Thailand.

Firefly On Profitable Route This Year


PETALING JAYA, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Community airline, Firefly, is confident of remaining profitable this year based on its 1.4 million passenger target, Managing Director Eddy Leong said Thursday.

Last year, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) carried about 400,000 passengers.

To further support sales and passenger load, he said, the airline will take delivery of another five new ATR 72-500 planes between April and August and fly 19 new routes this year.

Currently, Firely operates on five ATR 72-500 planes and 17 routes -- four domestic and 13 regional, he told reporters after opening of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport ticketing office.

He said Firefly hoped to operate the Subang-Singapore route this year, subject to approval from the Transport Ministry. Firefly had applied for four times daily flight for the route.

"We submitted the application recently and are awaiting approval.

We have high hopes (for approval) as this is part of the Asean open skies policy," he said.

Leong said the airline had applied for all the routes to Singapore, namely Penang-Singapore, Ipoh-Singapore, Melaka-Singapore, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore and Kuantan-Singapore.

Other new routes for this year include Subang-Phuket, Subang-Krabi, Penang-Huahin and Subang-Alor Setar, he said.

Leong said the economic downturn would not have an impact on its expansion plans, with the airline focusing on community rather than leisure routes.

"We focus on bringing the community together. Therefore, we are less exposed to the economic downturn. We fly to places that are less competitive and we have not seen any sign of slowing down," he said.

To stay ahead of its competitors, Leong said Firefly's focus remain with operating secondary routes that will give advantage as bigger aircraft are unable to serve these routes.

"Firefly is part of MAS' business transformation plan and our role is to grow MAS' business as well, he said.

On the ticketing office, Leong said Firefly will be opening more such offices in stages to destinations it flies to, namely Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baharu, Langkawi, Indonesia and Thailand.

The move is in line with Firefly's expansion plan in terms of ticket sales and distribution. The office opens daily from 5.30am to 9pm.

In conjunction with the opening, Firefly is offering complimentary one night hotel stay, courtesy of Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, to the first 10 people who purchased tickets to any destination at the ticketing office from tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA

New take-off points
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2009/01/23



Firefly, a community airline and subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is applying to fly to Singapore from six Malaysian points including Subang by April this year.


Other than Subang, which is located just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Firefly is requesting to fly to Singapore from its home base in Penang, Ipoh, Kuantan, Malacca and Terengganu.

Firefly wants to mount four flights a day between Subang and Singapore.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong told reporters in Subang yesterday that the application was for the season beginning April.

The six new routes are part of Firefly's plan to open up 19 routes this year, bringing the number of destinations it services to 36 by the end of the year.

All flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are currently serviced from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

The highly competitive Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route is now serviced by MAS, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Tiger Airways and SilkAir.

Speaking to Business Times, analyst Ng Sem Guan of OSK Research Sdn Bhd said flying to Singapore is a move forward for Firefly although the airline may not be able to feel any apparent contribution, given the intense competition.

In recent years, airlines have resorted to aggressive fare cuts to attract more customers, bringing down yields for popular routes such as that between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Another airline analyst who declined to be named said giving Firefly the right to mount flights to Singapore from Subang would be unfair to low-cost carriers operating out of the KLIA.

"It would no longer be a level playing field," the analyst said.

Leong said Firefly plans to carry 1.4 million passengers this year, more than three times the number of passengers it carried in 2008. Firefly carried 400,000 passengers last year.

Firefly, which operates five turboprop aircraft now, expects to receive another five aircraft by the end of the year.

Firefly opens latest ticketing office at Terminal 3 in Subang
By ELAN PERUMAL


DUE to increasing demand from passengers, Firefly has decided to open its latest ticketing office at the Terminal 3 in Subang.

The office, which was opened by Firefly Sdn Bhd’s managing director Eddy Leong on Thursday, will offer more options for travellers especially those flying from Subang.

“They can obtain the tickets from the terminal office and board the flight to their intended destination,’’ he said in his speech at the launch of the office.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/23/central/m_06eddyleong.jpg
We are in business: Leong cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the office.

He added that more ticketing offices would also be opened in Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru and Kuantan in the near future.

Leong said the office, located on the ground floor of the terminal, would be open between 5.30am and 9pm daily.

According to Leong, beside the ticketing office, there is also a passenger lounge for frequent travellers.

Leong said they also expected the number of passengers flying with Firefly to increase this year.

Compared with last year’s 400,000 passengers, he said, they expected 1.4mil people to use its service this year.

“We are confident that the target will be met since our travellers are mainly businessmen,” said Leong.

Leong added that they had also applied to offer flights to Singapore.

He said they were looking at flying to Singapore from various points such as Subang, Ipoh, Penang and Malacca.

“In this way, we can help to promote the various interesting tourist spots to the Singaporeans who will have the chance to fly directly to their destinations,’’ he said

Firefly perkenal 19 laluan baru tahun ini


EDDY Leong (dua dari kanan) melihat operasi Pejabat Penjualan Tiket (ATO) Firefly di Subang Skypark, Subang semalam.

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SUBANG 22 Jan. - Syarikat penerbangan komuniti, FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) dijangka memperkenalkan 19 laluan baru pada tahun ini.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, sehingga kini , pihaknya sudah membuka 17 laluan termasuk domestik dan serantau dan penambahan laluan itu akan menyaksikan Firefly menawarkan 36 laluan.

"Dengan laluan baru itu, kami menyasarkan jumlah penumpang pada tahun ini seramai 1.4 juta orang berbanding 400,000 orang ketika ini,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas melancarkan Pejabat Penjualan Tiket (ATO) Firefly di Subang Skypark di sini hari ini.

Ketika ditanya tentang pencapaian perniagaannya ketika pertumbuhan ekonomi negara yang perlahan, Leong berkata, pihaknya yakin mampu mencatatkan keuntungan berikutan terdapatnya penumpang yang kekal menggunakan perkhidmatan syarikat penerbangan itu.

Firefly kini menumpukan kepada penumpang yang sering menggunakan perkhidmatannya untuk laluan domestik.

''Apabila kami tidak terlalu bergantung kepada penumpang serantau, ia tidak banyak memberi kesan kepada kami.

''Setakat ini, kami masih belum menerima sebarang kesan kemelesetan ekonomi dunia,,'' ujarnya.

Ditanya mengenai pesawat ATR 72-500, beliau memberitahu, pihaknya akan menerima lima lagi pesawat itu pada tahun ini secara berperingkat-peringkat bermula April ini.

Katanya, tahun lalu, pihaknya sudah menerima lima buah pesawat berkenaan.

Mengulas tentang faktor muatan, Leong berkata, pada musim perayaan, jumlahnya boleh mencecah sehingga 90 peratus manakala pada waktu bukan puncak ia berada pada kadar 60 peratus.

Firefly eyes Singapore route by April, additional destinations in works
by Tony C H Goh
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SUBANG: FlyFirely Sdn Bhd, the operator of the regional budget carrier Firefly, has upped the ante in the competitive aviation industry, targeting the lucrative Singapore market as part of its route expansion drive this year.

Its managing director Eddie Leong said the proposed takeoff points to Singapore would not be confined to Subang, but would include other secondary airports such as Penang, Ipoh, Melaka and east coast towns of Kuantan and Terengganu.

“We have submitted the application to the transport ministry to ply these routes about two weeks ago and hope to be able to fly to the republic by April this year,” Leong said after the official launch of Firefly’s ticketing office here yesterday.

However, he said the plan was subject to approval and landing rights by the relevant authorities, and it had yet to determine neither the frequency nor the Singapore airport that it would fly to.

In addition to Singapore, some of the additional routes it was eyeing include Subang-Kuantan, Subang-Alor Setar, Subang-Sumatra and Subang-Batam besides Subang-Kerteh, which took off on Jan 12.

By the end of the year, Firefly expects to fly to 36 destinations — 14 domestic and 22 regional routes. This would be an increase of 19 routes from its existing 17 destinations.

Firefly is currently operating five ATR 72-500 Turboprop airplanes, and will receive five more this year as part of the 20 ATRs ordered by its parent company, Malaysian Airline System Bhd.

The first delivery is scheduled to begin in April, and is expected to last until August. Firefly retired the last of its Fokker 50 planes on Dec 19 last year.

“By the end of 2009, we would be operating a total of 10 ATRs. The 72-seat ATR would help improve Firefly’s capacity to reach its target of carrying 1.4 million passengers this year, more than two times the number last year.

“With the additional planes, we would have capacity equivalent to four Airbus A320s and expects to achieve a threefold increase in revenue, in tandem with the increase in passenger volume,” said Leong.

He said Firefly would focus on optimising the existing infrastructure in the country, including all underutilised airports such as those in Ipoh, Kerteh, Melaka and Alor Setar.

It has an average load capacity of 60%, and Leong is optimistic the airline, launched in April 2007 to take a slice of the growing budget travellers’ market, will be profitable this year.

“The aim is to be a regional airline that provides point-to-point connectivity and brings people and communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and soon Singapore together,” said Leong.

Can't wait for Firefly to serve AOR. We desperately need Subang as an alternative to KLIA and LCCT.

FireFly likely to use Sepang LCCT
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/01/29

Firefly is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of the terminal in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is contemplating using the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out.

And the likely user of the budget terminal will be the national carrier's wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd.

Business Times has learnt that Firefly, which currently operates turbo-propeller planes from its Subang and Penang hubs, is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of LCCT.

"Firefly could use the Boeing 737-800 jets, which MAS is set to take delivery this year, to operate from LCCT," an aviation expert said.

"This will enable Firefly to fill in the gap left by AirAsia (if they move out), while providing convenience to passengers once Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd carries out plans to improve connectivity between the LCCT and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal."

Firely is set to continue to operate from Subang's Terminal 3 with its ATR 72-500 turbo-prop planes, while it has the option to use the jets for routes which it cannot operate viably with the ATRs.

"With the jets, new regional routes like China, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Indonesia can be introduced from the LCCT," the source said.

However, these are to secondary airports in these countries and not to main airports now served by MAS.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong, when contacted, declined comment.

It is learnt that Firefly will remain profitable if it uses the 737-800 planes by offering a two-class service, which includes more premium and higher-yield passengers.

This compares to the current single-class service offered by AirAsia on its Airbus planes.

Besides AirAsia, the LCCT is currently used by other carriers like Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways.

Firefly tarik 16,000 penumpang Johor Bahru-Subang

JOHOR BAHRU 3 Feb. - FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd. (Firefly) yang memulakan penerbangan sulungnya bagi laluan pergi balik Johor Bahru- Subang pada 26 Oktober lalu, telah berjaya menarik lebih 16,000 penumpang sehingga akhir Januari lalu.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong berkata, sambutan yang diberikan amat luar biasa sekali gus membuktikan syarikat penerbangan komuniti pertama negara itu semakin menjadi pilihan utama rakyat negara ini.

Leong berkata, pihaknya yakin jumlah itu akan meningkat secara mendadak bagi membolehkan Firefly mencapai sasaran antara 20 hingga 50 peratus peningkatan penumpang setiap bulan.

"Bagi Januari sahaja, kami berjaya membawa lebih 5,000 penumpang dan ia merupakan satu pencapaian di luar dugaan dan memberangsangkan.

"Kami percaya penumpang udara kini semakin bijak dan mula beralih kepada syarikat penerbangan yang mampu memberi nilai tambah kepada mereka," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Ketika ini, dengan harga promosi RM35 termasuk cukai dan kos pentadbiran, Firefly menawarkan laluan Johor Bharu-Subang menerusi kekerapan penerbangan dua kali sehari.

Polisi Firefly berbeza dengan syarikat penerbangan lain kerana menyajikan hidangan secara percuma kepada para penumpang dan membenarkan mereka membawa beg seberat 20 kilogram.

Para penumpang juga diberi tempat duduk bernombor tanpa perlu berebut-rebut untuk mendapatkan tempat duduk.

Pada 16 Disember lalu, Firefly menghapuskan surcaj bahan api bagi kesemua destinasi sebagai sebahagian usaha memberikan perkhidmatan terbaik melalui tambang yang murah kepada pelanggan.

Leong berkata, pihaknya tidak menjangkakan tempias kemelesetan ekonomi yang ketara sebaliknya optimis jumlah penumpang akan bertambah berikutan tawaran harga yang rendah dan pengenalan laluan baru.

Beliau berkata, Firefly akan memperkenalkan laluan domestik terbaru, Johor Bahru-Pulau Pinang bermula 1 Mei ini sebagai strategi untuk menyediakan lebih rangkaian laluan udara dan pelengkap sebagai pintu keluar masuk perdagangan, pelaburan dan pelancongan antara negeri selatan dan utara.

Katanya, orang ramai boleh menempah tiket Firefly itu melalui telefon di talian 03-78454543 (dari pukul 8.00 pagi hingga 9.00 malam) atau melayari laman web www.fireflyz.com.my.

Firefly kini beroperasi menggunakan pesawat ATR72-500 enjin turboprop (kipas) yang lebih menjimatkan dan mampu membawa seramai 72 penumpang dalam satu masa.

my last experience using ATR72-500 with firefly is great... i certainly gonna use firefly to balik kg to my home at JB....;)

Saturday 7 Feb 2009

1:10pm: Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who has refused to step down as Perak Mentri Besar, held a special exco meeting at the mentri besar’s residence where they decided, among others, to bring budget airline Firefly’s service to Sultan Azlan Shah’s airport.

Lapangan Terbang Kertih dibukakepada pesawat komersial

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0219/Utusan_Malaysia/Timur/wt_03.1.jpg
PENARI kebudayaan bersama anak kapal pesawat Firefly bersiap sedia bagi menyambut ketibaan penumpang pada majlis pelancaran penerbangan Firefly dari Subang ke Lapangan Terbang Kertih, Terengganu, baru-baru ini.

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KEMAMAN 18 Feb. - Terengganu menjadi negeri ketiga di Semenanjung yang mempunyai dua lapangan terbang selepas Selangor dan Kedah.

Lapangan Terbang Kertih yang biasanya digunakan sebagai pusat penghantaran pekerja dan bekalan keperluan ke pelantar minyak kini dibuka kepada penerbangan komersial dalam usaha merancakkan sektor pelancongan di Terengganu.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said berkata, buat permulaan syarikat Firefly menyediakan perkhidmatan penerbangan ke lapangan terbang berkenaan sebanyak dua kali sehari iaitu dari hari Isnin hingga Khamis dan akan menambah perkhidmatan berdasarkan permintaan.

Menurutnya, kali terakhir lapangan terbang itu dibuka kepada penerbangan komersial ialah kira-kira 20 tahun lalu iaitu semasa syarikat penerbangan Pelangi Air beroperasi.

''Dengan pembukaan Lapangan Terbang Kertih, Terengganu kini mempunyai dua buah lapangan terbang selain Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud di Kuala Terengganu.

''Ini merupakan petanda baik kepada sektor pelancongan Terengganu kerana terdapat permintaan untuk lebih banyak penerbangan ke negeri ini," katanya selepas menyambut penerbangan pertama Firefly dari Lapangan Terbang Subang melibatkan pesawat ATR72-500 yang memuatkan seramai 72 penumpang kelmarin.

Turut hadir Pengarah Urusan Firefly, Eddy Leong dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan negeri, Datuk Za'abar Mohd. Adib.

Menurut Ahmad, pembukaan Lapangan Terbang Kertih kepada pesawat komersial diharap mampu menjana sektor pelancongan yang dijadikan sebagai tulang belakang kepada ekonomi negeri khususnya di sekitar Dungun hingga Kemaman.

Dengan adanya penerbangan terus ke Kertih, jelasnya, mereka yang ingin ke Dungun dan Kemaman tidak perlu lagi turun di Kuala Terengganu atau Kuantan, Pahang dan ia dapat menjimatkan masa serta belanja.

Ahmad yakin Firefly tidak akan menghadapi masalah permintaan penumpang kerana terdapat lebih 20,000 kakitangan syarikat minyak dan keluarga mereka menetap di Kemaman dan sering berulang-alik ke Kuala Lumpur.

Menurutnya, jika permintaan semakin meningkat, kerajaan negeri tidak teragak-agak untuk membenarkan syarikat penerbangan lain mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Kertih.

Dalam pada itu, jelasnya, kerajaan negeri memperuntukkan sebanyak RM77 juta pada tahun ini untuk meningkatkan sektor pelancongan di negeri ini termasuk bagi tujuan promosi.

Beliau memberitahu, pada tahun ini kerajaan negeri menyasarkan jumlah kedatangan pelancong meningkat kepada empat juta orang berbanding 3.5 juta orang pada tahun lalu

so sad..cannot use maybank2u or CIMBcliks to purchase ticket...:(:cry:

Umm... They have started the SZB-AOR route?? Because I search and book for that routes on their website.

by ahmadpi
http://flickr.com/photos/ahmadpi/2839294379/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2839294379_100ab0fe07_b.jpg

MAS, Firefly in code-sharing strategy
Written by Gan Yen Kuan
Thursday, 05 March 2009 13:24

SUBANG: Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) and its wholly-owned budget airline Firefly will launch code-share partnership in two to three weeks as both airlines have completed the integration of technology platforms, according to Firefly managing director Eddy Leong.

"We are now working actively with the regional offices in Europe, Australia and China to connect people via KLIA to the secondary destinations," Leong said.

He was speaking to reporters here on March 5 after a joint media briefing with Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).

Leong said Firefly targets to carry 1.5 million passengers this year, now that it operates with five 72-seater ATR72-500 aircraft and flies to more destinations. Last year, it carried about 500,000 passengers with three Fokker 50 aircraft.

He said it was hopeful of improving its load factor this year with a more comprehensive network structure. Its current load factor averages at 60% to 70%.Leong (right) and Ngiam together with Firefly's cabin crew. Photo by Gan Yen Kuan

Firefly would take delivery of two ATR72-500, one each in April and May, he said, adding that it may delay the time to take delivery of the remaining three aircraft, depending on market condition.

Declining to give a figure, he said Firefly made losses last year due to fuel hedge losses.

"If it's not for the fuel hedging, yes (we started making money). But it's not a big loss," he said.

"This year, we are going to be realistic. The economic crisis is just unfolding, and it will not be prudent of me to start saying that we will be making money. This year, the key is survival. Judging from the way we are doing, we won't be making big losses, or we will probably break even or see a little bit of profit," he added.

On network expansion, Leong said the imminent three new destinations Firefly would fly to are Subang-Kuantan, which will start on March 29, Subang-Alor Setar (March 29) and Subang-Phuket (May 1).

He said it was awaiting the approval of Transport Ministry to fly to Singapore from eight secondary airports, namely Ipoh, Terengganu, Kuantan, Kota Bharu, Alor Setar, Kerteh, Melaka and Subang.

"We are hopeful that we will soon be given the approval to fly. We have been in active conversations with the Ministry of Transport. We are confident that we will start the services soon," he said.

For the Subang-Singapore route, Firefly was looking at operating four flights a day, he said.

Meanwhile, during the MATTA Fair to be held from March 13 to 15, Firefly will give away prizes worth a total of RM250,000, including free MAS tickets to Rome, London, New York and other long-haul destinations.

MATTA president Ngiam Foon said there would be 873 booths at the upcoming fair, slightly less than the 877 booths in the last fair in September, indicating that such optimism of the industry players was significant in times of economic slowdown.

He said the upcoming MATTA Fair targetted to generate sales of some RM80 million.

Firefly to ink code-share pact with MAS
By Jeeva ArulampalamPublished: 2009/03/06

COMMUNITY airline Firefly expects to ink a code-share agreement with parent company Malaysia Airlines (MAS) (3786) this month, which allows MAS to offer its passengers several Firefly-operated flights.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the technological part of the code-share arrangement has been completed, but more details will only be released later.

"We are now actively working with the regional offices in Europe, Australia and China to connect people via the KL International Airport in Sepang into the smaller places (secondary routes)," Leong told a media briefing in Subang yesterday, after announcing the airline's participation in the Matta (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) Fair 2009.

The code-share deal will allow passengers to transfer between both airlines on a single ticket, opening up routes served by Firefly to MAS passengers.
Meanwhile, Leong estimates that Firefly's ticket sales during the upcoming Matta Fair will exceed RM1.5 million.

"If we include the package deals, sales will probably be above RM6 million," he added.

The airline was unprofitable last year due to fuel hedging losses, but hopes to break even or post a marginal profit this year.

It is expanding its route network, and plans to cover 10 domestic sectors and 12 regional sectors in the near future.

New routes for Firefly include Subang-Kuantan and Subang-Alor Star on March 29 and Subang-Phuket on May 1.

"We have also applied (to the Transport Ministry) for eight routes to Singapore and are hopeful that we will be given the approval to fly these secondary routes," he said.

These flights to Singapore will be from Subang, Alor Star, Kuantan, Malacca, Kerteh, Ipoh and Terengganu.

Firefly currently operates five ATR 72-500 turbo-propeller planes and will take delivery of two more by May.

"We initially planned to take delivery of five new ATRs, but are reviewing the other three... whether it is the right time to bring them in. We may adjust the delivery time," Leong said.

He said the seven ATR 75-200 will be used for Firefly's basic network while the remaining three will be utilised for expansion plans.

With its seven 72-seater planes, Firefly targets to carry 1.5 million passengers this year. The airline carried some 400,000 passengers last year using its three Fokker 50 aircraft. Its current load factor is close to 70 per cent.

Meanwhile, Matta president Ngiam Foon expects similar sales of RM80 million recorded during last year's Matta Fair, the country's top consumer fair.

The fair will be held from March 13 to 15 at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. It has already registered 873 booths, slightly shy of the 877 booths recorded last year.

During the fair, Firefly will give away prizes worth some RM250,000 in total, including free MAS tickets to Rome, London, New York, Beijing and Macau.

Firefly Confident Of Getting Singapore Route




KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Community airline, Firefly remains upbeat about securing the Singapore route despite the fact that it has yet to secure the green light from the Ministry of Transport.

Its managing director, Eddy Leong, said the airline had also requested four flights daily from eight secondary routes.

Among the routes are Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and Melaka-Singapore.

"I think the liberalisation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore sector has been in place since last year. Many carriers have received the benefits and we do not see ourselves being left out," he told a media conference Thursday.

Leong said while awaiting approval, Firefly will fly new routes from Subang to Alor Star and Kuantan, starting March 29.

He said the Subang-Alor Setar and Subang-Kuantan routes will see more business travelers and visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) commute between the two states on a daily basis.

He added Firefly will acquire five new ATR72-500 aircrafts this year.

"We are taking two aircrafts first, which will be delivered in April and May. The remaining three, we will review it. We may adjust the delivery time," he said.

Asked whether the airline was expecting higher profit this year due to the additional aircrafts, he said, "Judging by the way we are doing, we will not make big losses but we will probably break even."

The company might just have "a little bit profit," he added.

Leong said the airline also expects to carry 1.5 million passengers by year-end.

On its participation in Matta Fair this year, Leong said the airline aimed to rake in RM5-RM6 million in ticket sales over three days.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly eyes 3 flights daily to Singapore


It hopes to start service by second half of next year

PETALING JAYA: FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned unit of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), hopes to fly at least three times daily to Singapore once the route is approved by the respective governments, said managing director Eddy Leong.

“We’re hopeful that we can start flying to Singapore by the second half of this year,” he told a press conference yesterday on Firefly’s participation in MATTA Fair this year.

Firefly has applied for seven secondary routes – those that do not fly from Subang – namely Kuantan-Singapore, Malacca-Singapore, Kota Baru-Singapore, Ipoh-Singapore, Alor Star-Singapore, Kerteh-Singapore and Terengganu-Singapore. Its primary route is Subang-Singapore.


Firefly's stewardess Siew Ling (left) and Aidah Awang (right) holding placeards showing free-seat offers during Matta Fair 2009.

Routes like Penang-Singapore and Langkawi-Singapore would not be considered because they were already well served by MAS and Singapore Airlines, Leong said.

The airline also has started flying twice daily from Subang to Alor Star and Kuantan.

The airline would be receiving two additional planes in the next two months, bringing the total to seven, and would review if it should take on another three that were planned earlier.

Last year, with much less capacity and limited destinations, Firefly carried about half a million passengers. This year, it aimed to achieve 1.5 million passengers with the additional planes and expanded routes, Leong said.

Daily average load factor is about 60% to 70%. “We think it could be better when we complete the 10-network structure. We have to be cautious and focus on routes that are under-served by others,” he said.

By year-end, Firefly will have 10 domestic sectors and 12 regional sectors including Singapore.

Firefly was still in the red last year due to impact from fuel hedging.

“If not because of hedging, we would have been profitable,” Leong said, but declined to disclose the figures.

“It wouldn’t be prudent of me to say we’d be able to make money as the impact of the crisis is only unfolding. Judging from how we’re doing, we won’t make a lot of losses but might break even this year,” he said.

Firefly to give away MAS return trips

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/6/nation/n_32firefly.jpg
PETALING JAYA: Firefly is giving away RM250,000 in prizes, including free return international flight tickets, at the Malaysian Asso-ciation of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair 2009.

Any purchase of packages and tickets worth RM1,500 and above stands a chance to win two free return MAS tickets to Rome, London, New York, Canton, Shang*hai, Brunei, Macau, Seoul, Beijing or Surabaya.

Firefly communication and marketing head Angelina Fer*nandez said customers would also be eligible for a lucky draw with prizes such as hotel vouchers and spa and beauty packages.

“On the third and final day of the fair, the top purchaser for the entire three days will get a chance to win two return tickets to New York,” she told a press conference at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang.


Glowing offers: Leong (second right) and Matta president Ngiam Foon posing with stewardesses during a press conference in Petaling Jaya.

Fernandez said Firefly would offer “unbeatable, best-value” holiday packages for local and overseas destinations at the fair.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the carrier expected sales of RM6mil at the three-day fair.

“We are expecting more sales this year compared to the previous one,” he said.

Leong said Firefly’s latest routes were to Kuantan, Alor Setar and Phuket.

“The twice-daily flights to Kuantan and Alor Setar will start on March 29 and to Phuket on May 1,” he said. All fights are from Subang.

The Matta fair would be held at the Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from March 13 to 15.

FireFly tambah tiga destinasi baru
Oleh Che Wan Badrul Alias
chewan@bharian.com.my
Tambang serendah RM35 mulai 29 Mac

FIREFLY, syarikat penerbangan komuniti milik Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) akan terbang ke tiga destinasi baru, iaitu Subang-Kuantan; Subang-Alor Setar dan Subang-Phuket.

Ia akan menawarkan harga tiket serendah RM35 hingga RM250 dan RM35 hingga RM270 masing-masing bagi laluan Subang-Alor Setar serta Subang-Kuantan yang akan dimulakan pada 29 Mac ini, manakala bagi laluan Subang-Phuket pula yang yang akan bermula 1 Mei nanti pula dari serendah RM88 hingga RM370.

Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong, berkata laluan dengan kekerapan dua kali sehari itu adalah sebahagian usaha FireFly untuk mencapai sasaran 1.5 juta penumpang tahun ini meliputi semua destinasi baru termasuk 10 laluan domestik dan 12 serantau yang dijangka akan dimulakan akhir tahun ini.

Beliau berkata, pertimbangan meluaskan perkhidmatan syarikat penerbangan itu di Kedah, iaitu untuk laluan Alor Setar selepas Langkawi dibuat berikutan permintaan yang baik manakala Kuantan menyediakan potensi yang besar kerana hanya FireFly dan MAS yang beroperasi di sana.

"Faktor muatan kami kini hampir 70 peratus dan ia dijangka terus meningkat. Rangkaian operasi juga akan bertambah baik dengan penambahan dua lagi pesawat ATR 72-500 yang akan diterima pada April dan Mei ini," katanya pada sidang media selepas Majlis Pelancaran Tawaran FireFly sempena Matta 2009, di Subang, semalam.

Mengenai tawaran FireFly sempena Matta 2009, Leong berkata, syarikat itu menawarkan pelbagai hadiah menarik bernilai RM250,000 kepada pelanggannya termasuk dua tiket MAS pergi-balik ke Rome, London, New York, Canton, Shanghai, Brunei, Macau, Korea, Beijing, dan Surabaya.

Firefly suspends some flights from Penang
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/03/09



Flights from Penang to Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru, Koh Samui and Kuantan are now temporarily suspended.

National turboprop operator Firefly is temporarily suspending several flights operating out of the Penang International Airport.

In a statement, the company said flights from Penang to Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru, Koh Samui and Kuantan are now temporarily suspended.

Flights from Penang to Langkawi, Phuket, Medan and Banda Aceh have been retained. Some flights out of Subang Airport have been retimed.

The changes to its flight schedule take effect from March 10 to March 28 2009.

"We are not exiting Penang, but simply reviewing our network," FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said when contacted.

According to the statement, passengers are being notified of alternative flight arrangements. These changes were part of its planned network rationalisation in view of the current economic environment and maintenance requirements on one of its aircraft.

"We are taking necessary initiatives to reduce the impact on our travelling passengers. We apologise to all our passengers for any inconvenience," said Leong.

Business Times has learnt that the wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines has also incurred some losses on certain routes to and from the state.

Firefly, Malaysia's first community airline, took to the skies two years ago from the Penang airport which served as its initial base.

Its aim was to use Penang to capture the growing budget travellers' market in the north and east coast points of the Peninsula and also southern Thailand. Since then, the airline has also begun flying to Indonesia from Penang and was set to offer direct flights to Singapore after the middle of the year.

From its initial fleet of two Fokker 50s, the airline is now operating the ATR 72-500 planes from its Penang and Subang hubs.

Firefly is still hiring staff


PETALING JAYA: Community airline Firefly is still hiring and not cutting jobs despite the global economic slowdown, said FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong.

”The airline will hire more people to meet its expansion route network,” he told reporters after launching Wing Commanderz 2009, a specially-constructed ATR (Firefly’s aircraft) simulator, on Saturday.

”We need more people as we will take delivery of another five new ATR 72-500 planes this year and fly to other new routes planned for this year,” he said.

The new routes include Subang-Phuket, Subang-Krabi, Penang-Huahin and Subang-Alor Star.

He said the airline, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, also hoped to operate the Subang-Singapore route this year. – Bernama

Firefly tidak henti pekerja


Syarikat terus laksana pengambilan baru bagi keperluan

SYARIKAT penerbangan komuniti milik Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS), Firefly tidak melaksanakan pemberhentian pekerja dalam kelembapan ekonomi global ketika ini sebaliknya terus mengambil yang baru, kata Pengarah Urusannya, Eddy Leong.

"Kami akan mengambil lebih banyak pekerja untuk memenuhi keperluan dalam pengembangan rangkaian laluan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas pelancaran Wing Commanderz 2009, simulator ATR khas (pesawat Firefly) di Petaling Jaya, kelmarin.



Acara berkenaan dirasmikan angkasawan pertama Malaysia Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

"Kami memerlukan lebih banyak pekerja lagi memandangkan kami akan menerima lima lagi pesawat ATR 72-500 baru tahun ini dan akan ke laluan baru," katanya.

Laluan baru itu termasuk Subang-Phuket, Subang-Krabi, Pulau Pinang-Hua Hin dan, dan Subang-Alor Setar.

Beliau berkata, syarikat penerbangan itu juga berharap untuk beroperasi bagi laluan Subang-Singapura tahun ini.

Leong berkata, Firefly berminat bekerjasama dengan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar untuk terus mempromosikan industri penerbangan serta menggalakkan generasi muda menjadi juruterbang.

Wing Commanderz 2009 akan dipamerkan buat pertama kali di pameran MATTA mulai 13-15 Mac ini.

Firefly akan mengadakan cabaran juruterbang terbaik Wing Commanderz 2009 untuk pengunjung MATTA.

Sementara itu, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar berkata, kurang minat terhadap industri penerbangan adalah disebabkan oleh kekurangan peluang, program dan sokongan.

Beliau menyeru syarikat swasta supaya mendidik orang ramai dalam usaha mempromosikan sains dan teknologi sebagai sebahagian daripada inisiatif tanggungjawab sosial korporat. – Bernama

Berang kena tangguh - 70 penumpang terkandas di Subang

Oleh ROSMALINA ABD. KADIR
berita@kosmo.com.my



http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0309/Kosmo/Negara/ne_02.2.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



SUBANG - Kira-kira 70 penumpang syarikat penerbangan komuniti, FireFly yang sepatutnya berlepas ke Pekan Baru, Indonesia dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (LTSAAS) semalam berang apabila penerbangan itu ditangguhkan selama dua hari kepada esok tanpa sebarang penjelasan.

Mereka kecewa apabila mendakwa notis pembatalan penerbangan FY3409 pesawat ATR72-500 itu hanya disampaikan beberapa jam sebelum penerbangan yang sepatutnya pukul 12.05 tengah hari melalui khidmat pesanan ringkas (SMS).

Seorang penumpang yang juga Setiausaha Pertubuhan Agensi-agensi Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Indonesia (ASITA), Ibnu Mas'ud menerima SMS itu sewaktu dalam perjalanan ke LTSAAS pada pukul 9.50 pagi.

"Sepatutnya beri notis lebih awal supaya penumpang tidak hadapi masalah, malah sempat cari penerbangan lain.

"Ini tidak, penumpang sudah sampai ke lapangan terbang dan tidak ada sesiapa yang boleh kami temui untuk menjawab pertanyaan, malah nombor telefon khidmat pelanggan yang kami hubungi juga tidak dijawab,'' katanya ketika ditemui di LTSAAS, Subang semalam.

Seorang lagi penumpang, Shamsul Abd. Mumid, 38, kesal dengan penangguhan itu kerana ia menjejaskan urusan perniagaan beliau yang sepatutnya dilakukan hari ini.

"Saya sudah menempah penerbangan ke Bangkok dari Pekan Baru yang sepatutnya berlepas esok (hari ini), tetapi disebabkan penangguhan di sini, penerbangan itu terpaksa dibatalkan,'' ujarnya.

Firefly makes flight changes


PETALING JAYA: There will be changes to Firefly’s schedules from today until March 28, including temporary suspensions and re-timing of flights.

In a statement, Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, said flights from Penang to Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru, Ko Samui and Kuantan were now temporarily suspended.

“Flights from Penang to Langkawi, Phuket, Medan and Banda Aceh have been re-timed. Some flights out of Subang airport have also been re-timed.

“These changes are part of planned network rationalisation in view of the current economic environment and maintenance requirements of one of our aircraft,” the statement said.

Firefly managing director Eddy Leong apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, adding that passengers were being notified of alternative arrangements.

Help Firefly maintain Penang strategy
Written by Regina William
Tuesday, 10 March 2009 22:49

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants the federal government to provide Firefly with RM20 million in financial assistance under the second fiscal stimulus package to enable the community airline to continue with its strategy of maintaining Penang as its second hub after Subang.

Lim, who sent a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said he had been informed by the budget airline that due to unfavourable economic conditions, it was planning to reduce significantly its flights out of Penang.

The routes which will be suspended in the cutback from March 29 include the Penang/Kota Bharu (seven times weekly), Penang/Kuala Terengganu (seven times weekly), Penang/Kuantan (seven times weekly), Penang/Phuket (four times weekly) and Penang/Koh Samui (four times weekly).

The remaining routes from Firefly's Penang bub are Penang/Subang (35 times weekly), Penang/Langkawi (14 times weekly), Penang/Johor Bahru (seven times weekly), Penang/Medan (14 times weekly) and Penang/Banda Aceh (four times weekly).

Lim in his letter stated that it was also expected in the second quarter of this year that the Penang/Medan and Penang/Langkawi routes will be reduced to seven times weekly.

With the cutback, Lim said plans for additional routes Penang/Krabi, Penang/Huahin, Penang/Suratthani, Penang/Nakhon Si Thammarat, Penang/Narathiwat, Penang/Hatyai, Penang/Trang, Penang/Pattani, Penang/Pekan Baru and Penang/Padang have been suspended indefinitely.

He said Firefly had positioned Penang as its secondary hub to serve as a link to major domestic cities and as a feeder for medium- and long-haul airlines operating into and from Penang.

"It was also to help position Penang as a hub to the IMT-GT region linking a region of 70 million people and to act as a catalyst for economic expansion of Penang by improving air connectivity to the island state," he added.

He said Firefly commenced operations on April 3, 2007 but since the routes from Penang are developmental in nature, it had sustained significant financial losses of RM10 million in 2007 and RM12.4 million in 2008.

Blaming the losses on the sudden and rapid deterioration of the global economy which has also affected Penang, Lim said Firefly would be unable to continue without any financial assistance from the state or federal government.

Firefly mahu tambah penerbangan kekerapan ke Singapura


FIREFLY, pengendali perkhidmatan penerbangan komuniti dan tambang murah negara, bercadang untuk melancarkan tiga perjalanan baru ke Singapura sebaik saja kebenaran diperoleh daripada kerajaan republik itu yang dijangka Jun ini.

Sumber rapat industri berkata, tiga laluan itu adalah dari Subang, Ipoh dan Kuala Terengganu, sekali gus membolehkan syarikat itu bersaing di laluan yang dianggap amat kompetitif di rantau ini.

“Kabinet Malaysia sudah memberi kebenaran kepada Firefly untuk terbang ke Singapura dan syarikat itu kini sedang menunggu kebenaran dari kerajaan Singapura yang dijangka diperoleh pertengahan Jun ini.

“Sebaik saja diperoleh, ia dijangka melancarkan perkhidmatan penerbangan empat kali seminggu di laluan Ipoh-Singapura, tiga kali seminggu bagi laluan Kuala Terengganu-Singapura dan empat kali seminggu bagi Subang-Singapura,” katanya.

Sumber itu menambah, ketika ini kerajaan Malaysia dalam proses rundingan dua hala untuk memuktamadkan perjanjian perkhidmatan udara dengan Singapura bagi mendapat kebenaran bagi syarikat itu beroperasi.

Pertengahan bulan lalu, Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat berkata, Kabinet sudah memberi kebenaran dua pengendali perkhidmatan penerbangan tambang murah Malaysia, AirAsia dan Firefly untuk terbang ke Singapura.

Bagi AirAsia, kebenaran itu diberikan bagi laluan ke Singapura dari Pulau Pinang, sebagai tambahan kepada Langkawi, Sandakan dan Tawau.

Sumber itu berkata, laluan baru yang kompetitif itu dijangka bakal menjadi penyumbang utama dari segi pendapatan kepada Firefly.

“Firefly akan menggunakan kelebihan utamanya iaitu beroperasi dari Subang yang dianggap lebih dekat dari pusat bandar. Justeru, laluan Subang-Singapura menjadi antara penyumbang utama terhadap pendapatan kumpulan itu,” katanya.

Mengulas mengenai kelebihan itu, Ketua Penganalisis Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank-IB), Vincent Khoo berkata, Subang pasti menjadi pilihan penduduk Lembah Klang kerana menjimatkan masa dan kos perjalanan.

Dari segi masa, katanya, tempoh perjalanan dari pusat bandar ke lapangan terbang Subang adalah antara 30 peratus hingga 60 peratus lebih dekat berbanding ke KLIA di Sepang.

“Dari segi kos pula, tambang kenderaan awam dari pusat bandar ke Subang adalah 20 peratus hingga 50 peratus lebih murah berbanding ke KLIA,” katanya.

Selain itu, beliau berkata, Firefly mempunyai kelebihan dari segi penggunaan pesawat baru, ATR-72 yang dianggap menjimatkan.

Katanya, operasi pesawat kipas itu adalah 20 peratus hingga 50 peratus lebih jimat berbanding pesawat A320 atau B737 berikutan kurang penggunaan bahan api, khususnya ketika hendak berlepas dan juga mendarat.

Bagaimanapun, Khoo berkata, pesawat itu hanya sesuai untuk penerbangan jarak dekat yang memakan masa tidak melebihi satu setengah jam perjalanan.

Penerbangan terus dari Singapura Jun
KUALA TERENGGANU 9 April - Terengganu akan menerima penerbangan antarabangsa yang pertama apabila penerbangan langsung dari Singapura ke Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud (LTSM) bermula pada pertengahan tahun ini.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said berkata, perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh syarikat penerbangan Firefly itu akan bermula Jun ini.

''Ini merupakan salah satu langkah dalam menjadikan Terengganu gerbang pelancongan antarabangsa," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas majlis taklimat perkembangan Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER) di Wisma Darul Iman di sini hari ini.

Ahmad memberitahu, beliau juga akan ke China bagi mengadakan pertemuan dengan pihak pengurusan China Airlines untuk mengadakan penerbangan langsung dari negara itu ke Terengganu.

''Saya akan mengadakan perbincangan secara mendalam untuk membolehkan China Airlines mengadakan penerbangan secara langsung ke sini.

''Mungkin perjanjian yang akan dicapai ialah penerbangan langsung dari Guangzhou ke LTSM," katanya.

Beliau memberitahu, kerajaan negeri akan menawarkan beberapa pakej untuk menarik syarikat penerbangan itu mengadakan penerbangan secara langsung ke Terengganu.

Menurutnya, antara tawaran yang akan diberikan ialah kerajaan negeri akan menanggung beberapa cukai yang dikenakan oleh lapangan terbang.

Katanya, usaha itu dilakukan kerana kedatangan pelancong dari China ke destinasi pelancongan di negeri ini merupakan yang paling tinggi berbanding pelancong asing lain.

Firefly sees at least 70pc load factor for JB-Penang route
Published: 2009/04/14



BUDGET carrier, Firefly Sdn Bhd, expects a minimum load factor of 70 per cent for its Johor Baru (JB)-Penang route which will start early next month.

Its head of marketing/communications, Angelina Fernandez, said bookings for the route, especially from the business community, had been positive.

She said average load factor for all its routes on weekdays ranged from 60 per cent to 65 per cent and on weekends, up to 100 per cent.

"Our low fares are affordable and flying with Firefly is so much more convenient and hassle-free compared to conventional transportation," she told a media briefing on the cooperation with Sri America Travel (SAT) in Johor Baru to offer tour packages to Penang and Koh Samui from Johor.

SAT has booked 20 seats of Firefly's daily JB-Penang flight.

In conjunction with the announcement, SAT would offer three-day and two-night Penang package at RM399 per person and five-day four-night Penang plus Langkawi holiday package at RM699 per person.

SAT regional manager, Kathryn Lee, said three-day two-night Koh Samui free and easy package would be offered at RM899 per person while the four-day three-night Koh Samui Getaway package would be RM999 per person.

Firefly would launch the Subang-Phuket route on May 1, Subang-Bertam on May 2 and Subang-Padang on May 15.

It would increase its Kerteh flights to seven a week from its current five, starting mid-May. - Bernama

Firefly expects JB-Penang route to be over 70% full


JOHOR BARU: Budget carrier Firefly Sdn Bhd expects a minimum load factor of 70% for its Johor Baru-Penang route which will start early next month.

Its head of marketing/communications, Angelina Fernandez, said bookings for the route, especially from the business community, had been positive.

She said the average load factor for all its routes on weekdays ranged from 60% to 65% and on weekends, up to 100%.

“Our fares are affordable and flying with Firefly is so much more convenient and hassle-free compared to conventional transportation,” she told a media briefing on the cooperation with Sri America Travel (SAT) to offer tour packages to Penang and Koh Samui in Thailand from Johor.

SAT has booked 20 seats on Firefly’s daily JB-Penang flight.

Fernandez said that despite the current economic slowdown, Firefly had remained optimistic about the demand for domestic and regional travel.

In conjunction with the announcement, SAT would offer a three-day and two-night Penang package at RM399 per person and five-day four-night Penang plus Langkawi holiday package at RM699 per person. – Bernama

SAT regional manager Kathryn Lee said three-day two-night Koh Samui free and easy package would be offered at RM899 per person while the four-day three-night Koh Samui Getaway package would be RM999 per person.

Firefly will launch the Subang-Phuket route on May 1, Subang-Bertam on May 2 and Subang-Padang on May 15.

It will increase its Kerteh flights to seven a week from its current five, starting mid-May.

Firefly to begin Senai to Penang flights soon


JOHOR BARU: Firefly will begin flights from Senai airport to Penang starting May 1.

It has also started offering holiday packages from here to Koh Samui, Thailand; and Penang.

The airline is also expected to increase flights on its current route from Senai to Subang to three times daily beginning next month.

Firefly marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said Firefly had entered into a business collaboration with travel agency Sri America Travel Corp (J) Sdn Bhd (SA Travel) to sell the holiday packages.

“Our business partnership with SA Travel will now offer Johoreans holiday packages with direct connectivity into Penang and also Koh Samui via Kuala Lumpur,” she said at a press conference at the Senai airport yesterday.

She added that Firefly was confident of the partnership’s success because of SA Travel’s local expertise, network and reputation.

Fernandez said Firefly was also optimistic about the demand for domestic and regional travel despite the present economic situation.

Meanwhile, SA Travel southern regional manager Kathryn Lee said they were excited about the partnership with Firefly.

“Koh Samui is a new holiday destination and offers a quiet and scenic getaway,” she said, adding that SA Travel would offer packages to Penang, Langkawi and Koh Samui from RM399 to RM999.

Ipoh airport to gain from Firefly move




KUALA KANGSAR: The airport in Ipoh will bustle with activity again when Firefly offers Ipoh-Singapore flights by the middle of the year.

The move would encourage tourism and investment from Singapore, Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said yesterday.

Singapore recently granted landing rights to Firefly, Malay-sia Airlines' budget carrier.

AirAsia operated flights from Ipoh to Senai in Johor Baru for nine months before it suspended the service in September 2006.

Firefly, Airasia Likely To Get New Routes


KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The decision by Malaysia and Singapore to further liberalise air travel between them is expected to benefit low-cost carriers -- Firefly and AirAsia -- when the new traffic rights take effect in June, sources said.

Under the new agreement, which was announced by the Singapore Transport Ministry on Wednesday, carriers from both countries would operate between Singapore and six new destinations in Malaysia and vice versa.

The destinations are Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Malacca, Sandakan, and Tawau apart from allowing more flights to Penang, Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

So far, the Malaysian government has not decided which airline would get to fly the new destinations.

Aviation observers said the existing two low-cost carriers -- Firefly and AirAsia -- were likely be given the routes.

"Firefly is likely to be given permission to fly the Singapore-Ipoh, Singapore-Terengganu, Singapore-Malacca and Singapore-Kuantan and existing Singapore-Penang routes which are already served by other airlines," industry sources told Bernama.

He said Firefly, however, would probably not get the Singapore-Tawau and Singapore-Sandakan routes as its turbo-prop ATR-72 aircraft were not suitable for long-distance flights.

The source said AirAsia would also likely to pick up most of the six routes.

However, he said, it would be up to the Malaysian government to decide on the frequencies and the airline or airlines to fly or share the new routes.

Both airlines had applied to the Transport Ministry for permission to fly the new routes, he said.

Industry sources said Firefly officials recently met with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

It is believed that Firefly planned to use Changi Budget terminal as its base if it were offered the routes.

Wednesday's decision by the two countries to lift air restrictions was expected to benefit travellers and further boost the economies of both countries which started after several rounds of liberalisation last year.

In February, Tiger Airways, Jetstar Asia and AirAsia were given the green light to operate a limited number of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services.

All the restrictions on the route would be lifted in December.

In November last year, the two governments also opened up the Singapore- Sabah and Sarawak sector, allowing flights from Singapore to Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu and vice-versa.

The liberalisation of Singapore-Malaysia air links is part of a wider initiative to free the Association of South-East Asian Nations skies.

Transport ministers of the 10-member grouping had agreed on a long-term road map that will see the creation of a Asean single aviation market by 2015.

When that happens, all carriers of member states will be able to criss-cross the region's skies without any restrictions.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly likely to delay delivery of 3 new planes
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/04/21




FLYFIREFLY Sdn Bhd (Firefly), the low-cost unit of Malaysia Airlines, may delay the delivery of three new turboprop planes to next year to keep costs in check.

Firefly was expected to receive five planes this year. However, it still plans to take two planes this month and in May, managing director Eddy Leong said.

"We have been reviewing the moving of three original slots (for delivery) in 2009 to 2010 on the grounds of prudence and in view of the current economic conditions," he told Business Times.

Leong said a firm decision will only be made in the middle of the year.

"As a government-linked company, we must manage funds with prudence," he added.

Airlines normally make a down payment for their orders. They will then pay the rest when they receive the planes.

In December 2007, MAS and Aerei da Trasporto Regionale (ATR) inked a deal to buy 20 ATR 72-500 planes.

Firefly and MASwings, the two fully-owned subsidiaries of MAS, will operate 10 ATRs each.

The contract for Firefly's ATRs includes options for 10 more planes, while the memorandum of understanding for MASwings includes options for five more.

The aircraft was tagged by ATR then at US$18.5 million (RM67.2 million) each.

Leong said for now, Firefly has no plans to use any other planes but the ATRs.

"Firefly is actually seeing a strong uptrend, based on our rationalised network," he said.

"Our domestic flights are very strong due to positioning of our products and services, We believe most people want a full service point-to-point airline like Firefly that offers best value at lowest cost compared to a typical low-cost carrier.

"Our profits projection for 2009 remains intact, despite having to absorb large fuel hedging losses," he added.

what is the difference between firefly and other LCC? i never use any LCC, so from my readings it's all the same. low cost, no frills... but premium?

Firefly takes off for Singapore in June
By Rupinder SinghPublished: 2009/04/22



FLYFIREFLY Sdn Bhd will fly from six local destinations to Singapore as early as June this year, its top executive said.

"We just got the approval today (yesterday) from the Transport Ministry," said Firefly managing director Eddy Leong.

Firefly will fly to Singapore from Subang (28 times weekly), Penang (14 times weekly), Ipoh (four times weekly), Terengganu (three times weekly), Kuantan (three times weekly) and Malacca (four times weekly).

Leong said the flights from Subang and Penang to Singapore will take off in June, followed by the Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and Ipoh-Singapore routes in July.

The Malacca-Singapore route is slated for take-off in September.

"It should go ahead in June," said Leong, adding that the actual flight date will depend on how fast the airline and the relevant parties work together.

Leong was speaking to reporters after launching WOW Bargains, the promotional tickets and packages to the airline's newly launched routes and destinations in Subang yesterday.

The Singapore flights are expected to land in Changi's main terminal or the low-cost terminal.

Leong said Firefly's seven ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft will be enough to serve the new routes.

Currently, Firefly has five ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft and it expects to receive two more new planes this year, he said.

With the global economic crisis, Firefly is delaying purchasing three more planes this year until year-end or early next year .

Nevertheless, Leong is positive that Firefly will benefit from the recently announced mini-budget which should improve the local tourism industry.

He said the airline may consider putting back certain flights it had cancelled last month following its rationalising plan.

Firefly may restart flights from Penang to Kuantan, Terengganu and Kota Baru by end October this year or March next year.

On WOW Bargains, customers stand to win airline tickets to MAS destinations, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

At the event, Firefly also gave away prizes to top spenders at the recent Matta Fair.

On the Matta Fair, Leong said sales increased by two-and-a-half times from last year and also contributed to record-breaking sales in March for Firefly since the airline was set up in April 2007.

Firefly Gets Subang-Singapore Route, 28 Flights Weekly


PETALING JAYA, April 21 (Bernama) -- Community airline Firefly has obtained approval from the Transport Ministry to operate the Singapore route from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, its Subang hub.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the airline expects to start the Subang-Singapore route in June this year, with a frequency of 28 times weekly.

The approval followed the decision by Malaysia and Singapore to further liberalise air travel between the two countries.

"We just got the approval today from the Transport Ministry and we also have been approved as the designated airline to fly into Singapore," said Leong after launching WOW Bargains, the promotional tickets and packages to the airline's newly launched routes here today.

On May 2 and 15, Firefly is flying to Batam and Padang in order to increase the inflow of travellers for business, leisure, medical and educational purposes into Malaysia.

It is understood that in addition to the Subang-Singapore route, Firefly, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS), has also obtained approval to fly from five routes to Singapore.

These are Penang-Singapore (14 times weekly), Ipoh-Singapore (four times weekly), Terengganu-Singapore (three times weekly), Kuantan-Singapore (three times weekly), Melaka-Singapore (four times weekly).

For the Penang-Singapore route, Leong said it will also start in June, followed by the Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and Ipoh-Singapore routes in July.

For the Melaka-Singapore route, the airline expects to start flying in September, he said.

Asked whether Firefly has enough aircraft to serve the new routes, Leong said the number of planes are adequate to serve its expansion routes.

Currently, Firefly has five ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft and it expects to get two more new planes this year, he said.

However, Leong said, Firefly was considering whether to take three more planes because of the current economic situation, adding that this would be decided by year-end or early next year.

On WOW Bargains, he said customers could win airline tickets to all MAS destinations, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

At the event, Firefly also gave away prizes to the top spenders at the recent Matta Fair.

On the Matta Fair, Leong said that sales increased by two-and-a-half times from last year and also contributed to record-breaking sales for March for Firefly since the airline was set up in April 2007.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly offers Batam deal for avid golfers


PETALING JAYA: Budget airline Firefly is targeting golf lovers with a package that will take them to Indonesian holiday island Batam for a round — or two — of golf.

The “3D2N Batam Golf Package”, which costs RM999 per person on a twin-share basis, is one of 11 holiday packages to local and Asean destinations under the airline’s “WOW Bargains” campaign launched yesterday.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/22/nation/n_15firefly.jpg
Let’s fly: Leong, (right) Amirrudin (second from left) and Khalid congratulating Firefly’s top spenders during the Matta fair Wong Joon Kwan (left) and Abdul Halik Razali in Subang yesterday.

Under the package, golfers will stay at the Novotel hotel and get two rounds of golf at the Batam Palm Spring & Southlink Country Club.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said the airline decided to offer the flight-cum-accommodation deals because it was more practical for travellers.

“We also want to encourage consumers to lead the lifestyle they want. Even though we are facing hard times, it should not stop us from enjoying life,” he said at the press conference.

At the event, Leong, accompanied by Tourism Malaysia marketing deputy director-general Datuk Amirrudin Abu and Malaysian Associa-tion of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) deputy president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun, gave away prizes to the airline’s biggest spenders during the Matta fair, and winners of the “Wing Commanderz 2009” mobile simulator contest.

Among other deals offered in the WOW campaign until Oct 24 are the “3D2N Island Getaway” package to Langkawi priced at RM199 per person and the “3D2N Genting Highlands Free & Easy” package which costs RM229 per person for a stay at the First World Hotel.

Those wishing to travel to Thailand can opt for the “HKT-3D2N Phuket Free & Easy Package” which offers accommodation at the Centara Karon Beach at RM399 per person.

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

Firefly in due process with Singapore authority
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/04/29





NATIONAL turboprop operator Firefly, which was granted rights to fly from six destinations in the country to Singapore, is set to commence its first two services from Subang and Ipoh in July and September, respectively.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong said it is now undergoing the due process needed with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

"This due process is standard upon granting of traffic rights and will usually take up to three months.

"This is why we have not pinned down the exact implementation sequence of all Singapore routes," he told Business Times.

Leong said priority is being accorded to the four times a week flights between Subang and Singapore for commercial reasons, and four times weekly flights between Ipoh and Singapore due to a commitment given by Firefly to the Perak state government.

So far, Firefly has only begun commercial sales of its Subang-Singapore route from July 1.

"Our focus is to serve routes which are not already served by others. So, direct competition with other carriers will be limited," he said.

Apart from the Subang and Ipoh routes, Firefly has also received the nod to fly the Penang-Singapore, the Terengganu-Singapore, the Kuantan-Singapore and the Malacca-Singapore routes.

Asked if the Singapore authorities are giving Firefly any incentives such as marketing funds to promote the island state via its flight to and from Singapore, Leong said: "We have not finalised any discussion on incentives with the Changi Airport (authorities). But if there is any, it will be based on connectivity of Malaysian cities to and via Singapore, rather than promoting Singapore solely.

"Our Singapore routes are meant more for direct inbound flights to places like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Terengganu, Kuantan and Malacca."

Firefly's Subang-Singapore flights from July 1
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2009/05/02

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

FIREFLY will start flying from Subang to Singapore from July 1, kicking it off with three flights a day.

The community airline plans to increase it to four flights a day, one to two weeks post the launch, Firefly head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez told reporters after welcoming media and tourism delegates from Thailand on the airline's inaugural flight from Subang to Phuket.

The delegation will participate in a full four day programme, which started yesterday, hosted by Tourism Selangor and Tourism Malaysia.

Angelina said the airline was also looking at flying to southern destinations in Thailand such as Krabi and Huahin.

"We are still doing our research on the route to gauge the level of demand for our services. Of course with the current economy situation we have to be prudent with our expansion plans," she said.

According to Tourism Malaysia director in Thailand Iskanda Mirza, some 110,000 Thais fly to Malaysia in a month.

"We are confident with the entry of a third airline, other than Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, the numbers will increase," he said.

Firefly will bring the number of flights that service the Thai sector up to 42 flights a week from 35. Firefly will fly daily on the Subang-Phuket route.

Angelina said she is confident that the Subang-Phuket route will perform better than the Penang-Phuket route which it started in 2007 itself.

The Penang-Phuket route records an average load factor of 70 per cent.

"We are really targeting the expatriates in Phuket who do their visa runs. We hope that they will use the opportunity to renew their visas in Kuala Lumpur and also take the opportunity to visit other states in Malaysia," Angelina said.

She also announced that the airline now flies three times a day to Johor Baru from Subang.

Today will see the airline start its Subang-Batam route, at three times a week, while on May 15th, it will start four times a week flights to Padang in Indonesia.

Firefly is running an introductory price for Subang-Phuket flights from RM88 per way. The fares are available for booking for travel period from now till October 24 2009.

ohh man i fell in love with angelina.

Firefly now flies to Batam


PETALING JAYA: Low-cost carrier Firefly now flies to Batam, its fourth Indonesian destination to date.

The airline made its first flight to its new destination last Saturday, making it the only international airline to serve Batam with a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Marketing and Communications head Angelina Fernandez said travel for almost all Batam residents were limited to Johor Baru and Singapore due to time constraint and cost as they had to travel by ferry.

“We are confident that Firefly’s direct flight from Kuala Lumpur (Subang) will contribute towards boosting the economy for both Malaysia and Batam.

“For the Batamese, Firefly will be an affordable and convenient mode of transportation into Kuala Lumpur.

“This direct flight will give them an alternative option and opportunity to explore other states of Malaysia both for business and leisure,” she said in a statement yesterday.

She said the ferry ride from Johor was about an hour and 40 minutes, and cost RM69 each way.

From Singapore, the journey takes 45 minutes at SG$48 (RM115), she said, adding an estimated 80% of Malaysian visitors and almost 100% of foreigners travel into Batam via Singapore.

She added the influx of visitors into Batam was expected to come from Phuket and Koh Samui, as Firefly also connected Malaysia to Thailand.

Last year, 25,000 people from Batam visited Malaysia by ferry, up from 23,000 in 2007.

The number of visitors to Batam last year via Johor was 11,000, and those who entered the Indonesian island via Singapore totalled 55,000.

Firefly is currently flying to Batam with a special rate starting from RM88 one way.

The fares are available for booking for the travel period between now and 24 October 2009.

More details are available on www.fireflyz.com.my.

Firefly to spice up KL-Singapore air travel market
By B.K. SIDHU


PETALING JAYA: Firefly’s debut on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore airspace is set to spice up the market as it will be the only carrier flying from Subang to Singapore beginning July 1 while the rest of the pack flies the route from KL International Airport and the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

Flying from Subang has been a dream for many passengers from the logistic perspective and some experts believe Firefly will be able to grab a slice of the market share from the other players even though Firefly’s managing director Eddie Leong was modest in saying that “we are doing it more to complete our network rather than compete.”

For a start, Firefly is offering one-way fares from RM88 to Singapore and for the first two weeks of the month, it will have three daily flights.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/19/business/p1-eddie.JPG
Eddie Leong ... We are doing it more to complete our network rather than compete.

The frequency will be increased to four daily flights, totalling 280 seats. This is possible after Firefly takes delivery of its seventh turboprop in the last week of June. A turboprop can seat 70 passengers.

“We are more interested in the secondary points such as Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru to the republic even though the Subang-Singapore sector is important as it will serve the needs of our business passengers,” he told StarBiz.

At the end of this week, the airline will begin aggressively marketing the new Subang-Singapore route. It is also in the midst of finalising ground handling arrangements for its landing in the republic.

“Even without much publicity, we have managed to get some bookings and are hopeful of getting more once we begin our advertising (blitz),” Leong added.

The KL-Singapore route was a duopoly enjoyed by MAS and Singapore Airlines (SIA) before it was liberalised. Now more carriers ply the once lucrative route and Firefly’s entry is expected to give passengers an alternative, that is flying from Subang instead of KLIA and LCCT.

Currently, low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Singapore’s Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia ply the route alongside premium carriers such as MAS, SIA and Silk Air. Firefly and Silk Air are subsidiaries of MAS and SIA respectively. Other carriers such as Japan Airlines, Sri Lanka Airlines and Air-France KLM France also ply the route with limited frequencies.

Since the liberalisation of the sector, air fares have fallen from RM840 to less than RM200 for a return trip.

AirAsia is currently offering RM55 one way to the republic for a limited period. Tiger’s one-way fares are from RM69 and Jetstar Asia’s fares are from RM65.

“To remain in the game, even the full-service carriers will have to drop fares further to keep their market share at a time when demand for air travel is falling,” said an industry expert.

MAS last weekend offered specials at RM9 one way excluding taxes and other fees for travel this year and zero fare for travel next year for the KL-Singapore route. “We will roll out more of such promotions and our lowest all-inclusive return fare currently on a MAS-operated flight is from RM353 for economy class travel,’’ MAS senior general manager for sales Datuk Bernard Francis said.

But Leong is of the view that fares are already low and he does not think Firefly is a threat to the other carriers given its capacity constraints.

“The prices may be pretty cheap now but the market responds to promotions and anything is possible,” Tiger Airways head of communications Matt Hobbs said.

But not to worry, he said. “The market is big enough for all the players.”

AirAsia and MAS fly seven times daily, SIA, Silk Air and Tiger each plies four times daily on the KL-Singapore route, while Jetstar Asia flies three times daily.

Firefly gains from domestic operations
By B.K. SIDHU


Low-cost carrier’s international sector is sustainable

SUBANG: Firefly Sdn Bhd’s domestic operations are very profitable while its international sector is sustainable just after two years of taking to the skies, says managing director Eddy Leong.

“We make money from all our domestic routes, they are exceptionally profitable.


Eddy Leong... We are a good alternative given our location.
“As for our international sector, it is seasonable traffic and some routes have their own geopolitical issues but by and large, we can sustain the operations,’’ he told StarBiz.

He did not give any figures as Firefly is a wholly-owned unit of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which is expected to announce its first-quarter results tomorrow.

Firefly flies to 16 destinations currently. Of these, nine are domestic and seven international.

The carrier, which operates using the turboprops, has a load factor of 72%, despite the challenging times airlines are facing due to lack of demand for air travel and the A (H1N1) virus scare.

This airline will add five new routes to its network soon. On July 1, it will begin mounting flights from Subang Skypark to Singapore, followed by Ipoh-Singapore by July 12, then Kuala Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and finally, Malacca-Singapore.

Today, the airline will announce details of its expansion into Singapore, including fares and flight timings. It is learnt that fares may be from RM88 one-way, even for its Ipoh-Singapore sector.

Expansion aside, Leong said more importantly, it was about providing connectivity from the secondary points in the country to Singapore, whose Changi Airport is a known transit hub in this region.

“(Connecting to) Singapore is to complement our network. It used to be a lucrative route because capacity was controlled but now, airlines are dropping fares and we would be happy to break even for the Subang-Singapore route.

“We are also not expanding aggressively like other airlines as we want to provide just enough flights to serve the people. We want to be commuting people and facilitating trade and development to benefit the states in which we operate,’’ he said.

The fare from RM88 for one-way travel to Singapore includes 20kg of baggage, a snack on board and assigned seating.

“We are a good alternative, given our location, and passengers pay less in taxi fare to go to Subang SkyPark instead of the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal or KL International Airport.

“At RM88 one-way, we are offering value and I am confident we are offering the best fares. You have to look at the total experience,’’ Leong said.

Firefly to break even on profitable Malaysian routes
Published: 2009/05/29





National turboprop operator Firefly is set to break even this year, on account of its profitable domestic routes.

"We make money from all our domestic routes, they are exceptionally profitable. As for our international sector, it is seasonable traffic but sustainable," said FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong.

Firefly flies to 16 destinations of which nine are domestic and seven international. It has six aircraft while the seventh is due to arrive next month.

"We originally had planned to have 10 aircraft this year but decided to delay receiving three to next year," he said.

Currently, the carrier enjoys a load factor of more than 70 per cent amid the weakened global airline industry.

Firefly will add five new routes to its network soon begining with flights from Subang Skypark to Singapore, followed by Ipoh-Singapore, then Kuala Terengganu-Singapore, Kuantan-Singapore and finally, Malacca-Singapore.

It will make its first entrance into Singapore skies on July 1, departing from SkyPark Subang terminal at 7.50am arriving at the Changi Budget Terminal at 9.05am. This four times daily route is targeted at business travellers.

Leong expects more traffic flow to come from Singapore to Malaysia.

"There will be more tourists landing in Singapore wanting to hop over to Malaysia. Then, there are also quite a number of Malaysians working in Singapore wanting to come home for the weekends," he said.

Earlier this month, Firefly got approval from the Transport Ministry to fly five more routes. They are Penang-Singapore, Langkawi-Singapore, Kota Baru-Singapore, Alor Setar-Singapore and Kertih-Singapore.

Leong then said flights from Penang and Langkawi to Singapore are already well-served. The timing of route launch will depend on additional demand and availability of more aircarafts.

Eddie Leong resembles the Chinese Martial Artist Jackie Chan.

Firefly To Operate More Routes To Singapore


KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Firefly, which will begin its first flight to Singapore on July 1, has also received approval to operate the Kota Baharu-Singapore, Alor Setar-Singapore and Kerteh-Singapore routes.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the community airline is expected to operate the new routes by end of this year.

"We are in the summer season now, next will be the winter season. So when the season changes, we will introduce the new routes," Leong said.

"But of course this has to match with our delivery of new aircraft. Some of them may have to be pushed to next year," he told reporters at the announcement of the new Subang-Singapore route Thursday.

The four times daily flight will be followed by the Ipoh-Singapore flight which will begin on July 12, Kuala Terengganu-Singapore on July 14, Kuantan-Singapore on July 22, and Melaka-Singapore on Sept 1.

The new routes will complete the airline's "One Destination, Four Countries" promotion involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, pairing countries together to co-support tourism, Leong said.

With fares as low as RM88, Singapore will be an important hub for the airline to tap its target markets, he said.

Leong said the airline, which planned to have 10 units of ATR72-500 this year, has delayed the delivery of three aircraft to next year due to the current economic climate.

Currently, it has six aircraft and is expected to receive one more next month, he said.

Leong said despite the current economic climate, domestic operations remained profitable while regional routes were getting seasonal demand but still sustainable.

"Maybe on weekends demand is very high and weekdays are not so good, and this is reflection of the economy," he said.

The airline currently flies to 16 destinations, of which seven are international and nine are local.

-- BERNAMA

i hope the fa's skirt could be shorter just like airasia....

How about MH's and 9P's previous terminated lines, Firefly isn't intersted ?

AOR-KBR
KUA-KBR
JHB-KBR
SZB-IPH
SZB-PKG
SZB-TOD

The Singapore-Melaka route just doen't make sense (at least to me)...

Almost peninsular states would go to Singapore !
Subang Skypark-Singapore (KL)
Langkawi-Singapore (Kedah)
Alor Setar-Singapore (Kedah)
Kuala Terengganu-Singapore (Terengganu)
Kertih-Singapore (Terengganu)
Ipoh-Singapore (Perak)
Kuantan-Singapore (Pahang)
Malacca-Singapore (Malacca)
Penang-Singapore (Penang)
Kota Baru-Singapore (Kelantan)

The Singapore-Melaka route just doen't make sense (at least to me)...

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.