Firefly commences with flights between Penang and Koh Samui today

11 August 2012

Penang - Firefly celebrated the commencement of its three weekly services between Penang, the airline's northern hub and Koh Samui today. Firefly is the only airline that provides direct air linkages that connects the northern region of Malaysia to the pristine island in the southern region of Thailand. Passengers and media delegates, who boarded the inaugural flight, FY 3602 at 2.25 pm from Penang International Airport to Koh Samui, were given a warm welcome in a traditional island custom of flower garlands by the Thai Authority of Thailand. The passenger load on this inaugural flight was fairly encouraging.

Passengers and media delegates, who boarded the inaugural flight, FY 3602 at 2.25 pm from Penang International Airport to Koh Samui, were given a warm welcome in a traditional island custom of flower garlands by the Thai Authority of Thailand. The passenger load on this inaugural flight was fairly encouraging.

Firefly's CEO, Ignatius Ong, said in a statement, "Being the only airline that commercially services this route, Firefly's direct access and convenient travel time into both islands provide tremendous convenience and travel options to customers. Besides the locals and expatriates from the northern region, we are targeting foreign customers for this route, particularly from Middle-East, Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, India, and Australia who largely choose Penang as their preferred holiday destination during the intense seasons in their homelands. We are eager to meet the demand of these markets with our signature hospitality and commitment to providing great service.

"Islands are seen to be in demand for these market segments, hence creating an access to Koh Samui via Penang will be most ideal for these travellers who are keen to explore spectacular beaches in the region concurrently," he added.

Ms.Angelina Fernandez, Firefly's Head of Marketing & Communications added, "These islands have got more to offer than just serene beach retreats. Penang, also known as the Pearl of the Orient, is recognized to be a UNESCO world heritage city whereby it shows the world of its quaint legacy buildings, history, art and culture that co-exist alongside modern development.

"As for Koh Samui, it is a shopping paradise that vastly offers local Thai products as well as international branded outlets, mostly textile and leather goods. To add on, both of these islands are also known to be a food haven that caters popular and authentic Malaysian and Thai dishes and delicacies respectively."

On its return one hour, 30 minutes flight, passengers, media delegates and travel agents on-board FY 3603 which departed Koh Samui at 3.15 pm local time, were given a warm reception by a Malaysian cultural troop at Penang International Airport. Penang's Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng and Firefly's CEO Ignatius Ong were present to greet and present these passengers with exciting goodie bags. The passenger load on this inaugural flight was more than half of the aircraft capacity.

The media delegates and travel agents from Koh Samui will be on a four days, three night familiarization trip in Penang. The programme for the group will include a wholesome experience of the island and a B2B session with local travel agents, hosted by Penang Global Tourism.

In conjunction with today’s flight launch, Firefly will be offering an incredible all-in one way deal that starts from RM 199 for this route. Booking period is from 13 August to 26 August 2012, for travel from 23 August to 31 October 2012.

Effective August 10, Firefly will also strengthen its current network footprint with increased frequencies for its popular sectors. From its Penang hub, there will be an additional two flights to Subang, resulting in 68 flights weekly; whereas the Penang – Kota Bharu route will enjoy an additional four flights, resulting in seven flights weekly.

From Penang, Firefly also offers scheduled services to Langkawi, Kuantan, Medan, Phuket and Banda Aceh, as well as scheduled charter services to Malacca and Nanning, China.

Firefly celebrated the inaugural flights between Kota Bharu and Singapore yesterday. The airline will also restart its Subang - Hat Yai route, which was suspended in May this year as a safety measure due to the situation in the city then. This service will commence on 17 August 2012. These new routes and destination are part of Firefly’s expansion plan which was announced earlier this year.

Ticket purchases can be made from Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my), mobile application, airport and city ticketing offices, call-centre and through travel agents. Travellers are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy the promotional airfares and explore Firefly’s exciting new routes and destination.

Background on Firefly

Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, began operations in April 2007. Currently, it operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-500 turboprop out of Penang and Subang, connecting secondary destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as well as providing air linkages between Malaysia and Singapore.

Firefly provides incredible value as well as convenient flight timings and excellent service to its passengers. On the ATR 72-500, passengers are allowed 20kg check-in baggage allowance, provided complimentary in-flight refreshment, assigned seating and convenient city airports.

Firefly had also received numerous awards and recognition. The most recent was on November 15, 2011 when Firefly was conferred “Superbrand” status. In July 2011, Firefly’s Managing Director, Dato’ Eddy Leong had been honoured for his outstanding leadership qualities and was awarded the Global Leadership Awards for Community Airline Sector.

Awards received last year include the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Value Airline of the Year award and the Green Initiative of the Year award by Leaders in Aviation in conjunction with the Doha Aviation Summit. Firefly is also recognised as the Best Brand in Aviation for the Brand Laureate. Firefly connects with the world through Facebook and Twitter.