Firefly commences twice daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan today

1 August 2011

Sandakan – Firefly, Your Community Airline, celebrated its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Sandakan Airport today.

FY 540 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 7am today and arrived at Sandakan Airport at 9.45am with a load factor of 90 per cent.

Firefly’s Managing Director, Dato’ Eddy Leong, was among those on-board this flight. Upon arrival, Leong and all other passengers were warmly greeted by Sandakan Municipal Council President, Datuk lr James Wong, Sabah Tourism Board Chairman, Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin and a welcome troupe dressed in traditional costumes and carrying Bunga Manggar.

Happy children with new toys from Firefly

Passengers on this inaugural flight included 38 travel agents, bloggers and members of the media from Kuala Lumpur who had been specially invited by Firefly to experience Firefly’s newest service and participate in a three-day familiarisation trip in Sandakan which included a visit to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. The highlight of this trip will be Firefly’s adoption of three young Orang Utans as part of the airline’s efforts to contribute to the preservation of this human-like species.

In his speech, Leong said: “We are operating this route with our newest Boeing 737-800, which has a seating capacity of 189. Our fares may be low, but we offer premium facilities such as aerobridges for passenger comfort and safety and a chance to experience the world renown award-winning airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport that we operate from.

Having fun, Firefly staff and residents of Bukit Harapan

“In addition, we let passengers decide how much they should pay by giving them the flexibility of choosing to add on to the price of the ticket, the cost of in-flight meals, seat selection, checked-baggage fees and more.

“Our code share agreement with Malaysia Airlines will enable customers to purchase Firefly tickets from MAS distribution network worldwide. Customers will enjoy similar services on Firefly in terms of meals and checked baggage allowance if they purchase tickets under the MH9000 series.

“Come Quarter 4, our departure control system upgrade will be operational and with this we will be able to offer passenger and baggage check through to the final destination. This is an added convenience for Firefly passengers with onward journey on Malaysia Airlines as they only need to collect their baggage at their final destination.”

Firefly is currently offering promotional fares on this Kuala Lumpur-Sandakan route, from RM29 one way, all-in fare. The booking period is up to August 3 for travel from August 10 to 20 October, 2011.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Kuala Lumpur – Sandakan/ Sandakan – Kuala Lumpur

Flight No	Route	Departure	Arrival	Flight Time
FY 540	KL – Sandakan	7am	9.45am	2 hr 45 min
FY 546	KL – Sandakan	5.30pm	8.15pm	2 hr 45 min
FY 541	Sandakan – KL	10.15am	1.00pm	2 hr 45 min
FY 547	Sandakan – KL	8.45pm	11.30pm	2 hr 45 min