FireFly expands its destinations
Text and Pictures By Anthony Tan
Firefly, Malaysia’s community airline, celebrated its first anniversary on 23 April 2008 at Terminal 3 Sultan Aziz Airport, Subang.
Operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly’s first flight took off on 2 April 2007 from its first operational hub in Penang with two Fokker 50 aircrafts for its initial operations.
It flew from Penang to Phuket, Koh Samui, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Trengganu and Kuantan.
A third Fokker 50 was added to its fleet to serve new routes from its second hub from Subang. On 18 December 2007, the first flight took off from Subang to Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.
For FireFly to be competitive, it needs to improve its service and expand its routes with new aircrafts to replace the Fokker 50s. FireFly purchased five new aircrafts model ATR72-500 for 2008 with its first delivery in October. Another five more on orders are expected to be delivered in 2009.
On 26 October 2008, Firefly launched its inaugural flights to Sumatra from Penang and Subang for its new routes. From Subang, it will fly to Koh Samui in southern Thailand, Pekanbaru in Sumatra and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. From Penang, it will fly to Bandar Acheh and Medan.
Firefly will also introduce all-in-pricing for the customers’ convenience. This is to move towards transparency to offer their customers the full breakdown of charges in order for them to plan and budget.
All-in-pricing is inclusive of taxes, surcharges and airfares. Customers can see the breakdown of what they pay for when they book online that shows the separation of fare, taxes and surcharges will be maintained as part of the booking process.
Best of all it includes complimentary light refreshments on board, convenient hubs with direct flights, on time departures, 20 kg baggage allowance, one piece of hand carry baggage (maximum 5kg) and allocated numbered seat.
Firefly managing director Eddy Leong announced during the airline’s first anniversary that there will not be any additional charge for passengers’ checked-in baggage but instead the airline would increase its baggage allowance from 15 kg to 20 kg.
Leong said in a statement, “In conjunction with the launch of our inaugural flights to Sumatera and new routes from Subang to Koh Samui and Johor Bahru, we now offer to all our customers in Malaysia, Sumatra and Thailand Firefly’s All-in-pricing. Customers will truly experience Firefly’s incredible value at low fares.”
Tried and Tested
I took the flight from Subang to Penang and returned two days later. The ATR72-500 aircraft still smell new, especially the smell of the leather seats. With two seats on each side, it has slightly better leg room than the Airbus A-320 low cost carrier.
As the seats are numbered, there is no need to rush for them. The sole boarding door is from the back. Those who are in the hurry and want to leave the aircraft upon arrival first, should ask for the back seats. Otherwise, the boarding and disembarkation will be first in, last out sequence.
Surprisingly, the ATR72-500 is much quieter than the Fokker 50 or Boeing 737 series. As they do not fly very high, it is a little bit bumpy during bad weather.
The service on board was good. Passengers were served with a complimentary piece of muffin (a bit too sweet, if you need an extra, just asked the stewardess) and an orange juice but for a hot coffee, you need to request.
Tips
Book your flight early in order to get low fares. I booked my flight on 7 October and my flight was on 21 October and returned on 23. The return all in airfare was RM143.90. The check-in counter closes 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
Verdict
My usual return executive bus trip to Penang will cost me RM128 and it would take four to five hours. The noise level even at mid-section is louder than ATR72-500. At most times, it is also bumpy and you have to hold your bladder for two hours before it stop at the rest stops. Some drivers are a bit grumpy if you asked them to stop out of their schedule. My next trip will not be the bus trip.
Check its website for your best deal: www.fireflyz.com.my
Text and Pictures By Anthony Tan
Firefly, Malaysia’s community airline, celebrated its first anniversary on 23 April 2008 at Terminal 3 Sultan Aziz Airport, Subang.
Operated by FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly’s first flight took off on 2 April 2007 from its first operational hub in Penang with two Fokker 50 aircrafts for its initial operations.
It flew from Penang to Phuket, Koh Samui, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Trengganu and Kuantan.
A third Fokker 50 was added to its fleet to serve new routes from its second hub from Subang. On 18 December 2007, the first flight took off from Subang to Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.
For FireFly to be competitive, it needs to improve its service and expand its routes with new aircrafts to replace the Fokker 50s. FireFly purchased five new aircrafts model ATR72-500 for 2008 with its first delivery in October. Another five more on orders are expected to be delivered in 2009.
On 26 October 2008, Firefly launched its inaugural flights to Sumatra from Penang and Subang for its new routes. From Subang, it will fly to Koh Samui in southern Thailand, Pekanbaru in Sumatra and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. From Penang, it will fly to Bandar Acheh and Medan.
Firefly will also introduce all-in-pricing for the customers’ convenience. This is to move towards transparency to offer their customers the full breakdown of charges in order for them to plan and budget.
All-in-pricing is inclusive of taxes, surcharges and airfares. Customers can see the breakdown of what they pay for when they book online that shows the separation of fare, taxes and surcharges will be maintained as part of the booking process.
Best of all it includes complimentary light refreshments on board, convenient hubs with direct flights, on time departures, 20 kg baggage allowance, one piece of hand carry baggage (maximum 5kg) and allocated numbered seat.
Firefly managing director Eddy Leong announced during the airline’s first anniversary that there will not be any additional charge for passengers’ checked-in baggage but instead the airline would increase its baggage allowance from 15 kg to 20 kg.
Leong said in a statement, “In conjunction with the launch of our inaugural flights to Sumatera and new routes from Subang to Koh Samui and Johor Bahru, we now offer to all our customers in Malaysia, Sumatra and Thailand Firefly’s All-in-pricing. Customers will truly experience Firefly’s incredible value at low fares.”
Tried and Tested
I took the flight from Subang to Penang and returned two days later. The ATR72-500 aircraft still smell new, especially the smell of the leather seats. With two seats on each side, it has slightly better leg room than the Airbus A-320 low cost carrier.
As the seats are numbered, there is no need to rush for them. The sole boarding door is from the back. Those who are in the hurry and want to leave the aircraft upon arrival first, should ask for the back seats. Otherwise, the boarding and disembarkation will be first in, last out sequence.
Surprisingly, the ATR72-500 is much quieter than the Fokker 50 or Boeing 737 series. As they do not fly very high, it is a little bit bumpy during bad weather.
The service on board was good. Passengers were served with a complimentary piece of muffin (a bit too sweet, if you need an extra, just asked the stewardess) and an orange juice but for a hot coffee, you need to request.
Tips
Book your flight early in order to get low fares. I booked my flight on 7 October and my flight was on 21 October and returned on 23. The return all in airfare was RM143.90. The check-in counter closes 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
Verdict
My usual return executive bus trip to Penang will cost me RM128 and it would take four to five hours. The noise level even at mid-section is louder than ATR72-500. At most times, it is also bumpy and you have to hold your bladder for two hours before it stop at the rest stops. Some drivers are a bit grumpy if you asked them to stop out of their schedule. My next trip will not be the bus trip.
Check its website for your best deal: www.fireflyz.com.my
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