NEW ARRIVAL: Leong (standing, fourth right) shows the ‘thumb’s up’ sign together with members of the media and FireFly’s personnel welcoming the new aircraft at the carrier’s eastern hub at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
KUCHING: Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) community carrier FireFly welcomed the arrival of its third Boeing 737-800 aircraft recently at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The third aircraft – slated for operations from FireFly’s eastern hub in Kota Kinabalu – would strengthen its current network with increased frequencies.
“We are delighted to take delivery of our third Boeing 737-800 aircraft as it significantly marks a new phase and growth in FireFly’s eastern hub operations with the commitment of early morning departure from Kota Kinabalu, as well as a wider spread of flights overall between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu,” remarked FireFly’s managing director Datuk Eddy Leong in a release issued from Kota Kinabalu.
He added, “The arrival of this additional aircraft will enable us to operate in a particularly economic and flexible way, whereby it will be supplementing our overall jet operation. Despite the additional frequencies, the new aircraft will be offering less turn-around flights for our Kota Kinabalu route, resulting in less aircraft maintenance need – hence overall cost savings for FireFly.
“In addition, it will be able to contribute to our East Malaysian business by supporting unforeseen technical situation and charter flight requests.”
Leong also mentioned that the Kota Kinabalu International Airport was seen as a significant hub that would supplements FireFly’s services in terms of offering connectivity to long haul flights for travellers, local and abroad.
“FireFly’s passengers will enjoy incredible value with low fares as we are offering savings of up to 20 per cent with our seamless holistic approach. Customers will also be able to enjoy the same level of booking convenience, comfort and superior service at low fares on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
“These low fares signify the company’s commitment to better serve the community and provide discerning travellers greater choice and incredible value for money. FireFly has also decided not to implement any additional fuel surcharges for the foreseeable future.”
Currently, the carrier is offering three daily flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kota Kinabalu, with three additional flights from Terminal 1 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport commencing May 15. This brings the total number to six flights daily between KLIA and Kota Kinabalu.
Leong reiterated that FireFly would have seven Boeing 737-800s this year along with a subsequent five-year plan, which would see it introducing 30 units of Boeing 737-800s.
“There will of course be announcements of new routes in the future as our fleet grows.”
Presently, FireFly is offering a special promotion of RM29 all-in one way to Kota Kinabalu, which is available online at fireflyz.com.my and via mobile booking at m.fireflyz.com.my. The booking period is from now to May 18 for the travel period from May 23 to July 31 this year.