Firefly's Kota Bahru-Singapore route off to a flying start

10 August 2012

SUBANG - Flight FY3587 departed Kota Bharu for the first time at 9.50am for Singapore today after being given a warm send-off by a contingent lead by En Azman Ahmad, Firefly's Head of Sales and Customer Experience, and Dato' Haji Takiyuddin Bin Haji Hassan, Chairman of the Kelantan State Committee of Local Government, Tourism & Culture. Passengers received gift packs prepared by Tourism Malaysia and Kelantan's Tourism Info Centre as they boarded the plane.

The flight arrived at Budget Terminal, Changi Airport at 11.50am and was greeted by Mr Ignatius Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly.

Passengers flying to Kota Bharu from Singapore on FY3586 at 12.30pm were treated to a cultural performance, courtesy of Tourism Malaysia-Singapore, at the departure gate to give them a taste of Malaysian culture before they arrived in Kota Bharu to be received by En Azman and Dato' Haji Takiyuddin. The passengers included Singaporean media and travel agents who had accepted Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Info Centre's invitation to a familiarisation trip.

The average passenger load for the inaugural flights was 50 percent.

"Our goal this year is to achieve an average seat factor of 80 percent for all of our flights. The Kota Bharu-Singapore route is barely six weeks' old and the initial figures are encouraging. We intend to promote the route further because Singapore has much to offer Kelantanese in search of a holiday. Its varied shopping opportunities, exciting theme parks, and lively arts and entertainment scene are very family-friendly, which we're confident will appeal to the leisure market in Kelantan even more now that there is a quick and easy access of a direct flight," said Ong.

"Additionally, in the past Tourism Malaysia had reported that Singaporeans make up the largest segment of tourists entering Kelantan and since 2012 is also Visit Kelantan Year, we’re keen to do our part to help the state achieve its objective of recording 6 million tourist arrivals in 2012."

Currently, Firefly operates out of Budget Terminal but it will move to Terminal 2 at the end of September, thus improving its connectivity to airlines that operate international routes. This coupled with the one-way code share arrangement Firefly has with Malaysia Airlines will allow it to tap into the international travel market as well.

Travel agents can already book these code-share seats via global distribution systems (GDS) while passengers planning their travels will be able to book code-share seats via Malaysia Airlines' website in the fourth quarter.

In addition to the new Kota Bharu-Singapore route that has four flights a week, Firefly will also increase its Kota Bharu-Johor Bahru and Kota Bharu-Penang flights to daily frequencies to meet increasing demand.

Firefly is known for operating out of easily-accessible city airports, providing passengers with the benefit of convenient flight timings and connections, as well as premium complimentary in-flight services.

Purchases can also be made directly through Firefly's website (www.fireflyz.com.my), mobile app, airport and city ticketing offices, and call centre. Travellers are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy its 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.