Firefly airlines is a new Malaysian no-frills
airline (they call themselves a "community airline"), which started flights in
April 2007. The only other Malaysian low-cost airliner is Air Asia Berhad. It
claims as the first community airlines in Malaysia. The airline is a subsidiary
of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and utilize the Penang International Airport as a
base of operations and hub. Firefly Airlines is the only airline connecting
Malaysia's northern Penang state, Koh Samui and Phuket (in Thailand).
Even though Firefly is 100% owned by Malaysia Airlines, it has a separate
management, which is by FlyFirefly. The focus of Firefly is to give a community
based services particularly in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle.
It will also complement the routes not already be flown by Malaysia Airlines.
Besides Boeings 737 -430 they are now flying
with a brand new aircraft ATR 72-500, universally renowned know-how and flawless
service standards offer airlines a safe, comfortable, profitable and
environment-friendly transport solution.
Well, for those who don’t know about the new ATR 72-500, here’s something new
that you should know. Firefly is now flying with a new aircraft model ATR 72.
Here is a short information about the new aircraft.
The ATR 72 is a twin-turboprop short-haul
regional airliner built in France and Italy. It seats up to 74 passengers in a
single-class configuration and is operated by two-pilot crew. The ATR 72 was
developed from the ATR 42 by stretching the fuselage by 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in),
increasing the wingspan, adding more powerful engines, and increasing fuel
capacity by approximately 10 percent.
Bestemmingen:
Firefly flies from Subang to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kerteh, Johor Bahru and Alor Setar. Regional routes are Koh Samui, Medan, Pekanbaru and Batam. Firefly has also started its new route to Singapore from Subang, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan.
At the same time, Firefly also flies from its other hub in Penang to Subang (Kuala Lumpur), Langkawi. Regional routes are Phuket, Banda Aceh and Medan.
Boeing 737 - 430
Firefly Airlines started accepting bookings
from Monday the 19th March 2007. Tickets can be purchased from its 24-hour call
centre, 03-7845 4543 or at MAS ticketing offices.. Booking is also possible at
the website of Firefly: www.fireflyz.com.my