Firefly now operates three daily PEN-JHB return flights; and two daily return flights on the PEN-KCH and PEN-BKI routes.
Airline now jets to Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching
MALAYSIA Aviation Group (MAG) marked another milestone in its path to spur air travel and domestic tourism recovery with the reinstatement of Firefly’s jet operations from its Penang hub. In the spirit of keeping all Malaysians connected, Firefly is operating its Boeing 737-800s from Penang (PEN) to Johor Baru (JHB), Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Kuching (KCH).
This comes at an opportune time as Firefly rings in its 15th anniversary since it first started operations in April 2007, as well as the recent reopening of Malaysia’s borders – signifying growth that will further strengthen the airline’s services and offerings.
Firefly’s reinstatement was commemorated with a send-off event at Penang International Airport attended by Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin; Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Chester Voo; MAG Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail; Firefly chief executive officer Philip See; Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan; Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran; Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang; and Tourism Malaysia northern region director Shahrul Aman Sabir Ahmad.
The inaugural flights were welcomed with a water cannon salute at the arrival airports and passengers were given souvenirs to commemorate the event.
At Kuching International Airport, the mementos were handed out by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee; and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Also present were group chief operations officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi and sales global head Roslan Ismail, representing MAG.
At Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin; Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman; Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Ednie Rahma Othman; and MASwings Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah chief operating officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar welcomed the passengers.
“Firefly, together with its sister airlines Malaysia Airlines, MASwings and AMAL, will continue to play an active role as carriers of the nation – prioritising the safety and well-being of its passengers as we welcome them back to experience Malaysia and reconnect with loved ones,” said Capt Izham.
“As a group, we look forward to the upcoming months as we continue to reinstate our pre-Covid operations and introduce new, exciting markets for passengers to ‘Fly Malaysia’ and beyond.”
See added: “We have seen the extent of what the pandemic has done to various industries globally, but now restrictions have eased as nations begin to live and travel with Covid-19.
“We are delighted that Firefly resumed its jet operations at this crucial time, and simultaneously begins servicing new routes that will significantly benefit connectivity for tourists and communities.
“This also marks our 15th year of operations, and we have since strengthened our foothold as a pioneer in short-haul flights within the region, offering convenience and comfort to all.
“The airline will continue to expand its connectivity within Asean, offering value bundle packages beyond convenience and regions.”
Firefly now operates three daily PEN-JHB return flights; and two daily return flights on the PEN-KCH and PEN-BKI routes.
The airline has introduced its new value bundle services whereby customers can tailor-make their travel needs and get 50% off new value bundle offers from its Plus, Extra or Flex fares, and enjoy 20kg baggage allowance; in-flight hot meals; 2X flight changes; priority baggage, boarding and check-in; seat selection; travel insurance; and other value-for-money benefits.
With Malaysia’s border reopened, MAG looks to reinstate further flights that have been temporarily suspended and increase frequency to key markets.
Malaysia Airlines recently increased services to its flagship Kuala Lumpur-London route, as well as reinstated commercial flights to India, Australia and Thailand, to cater to growing demands of air travel.
The group aims to achieve approximately 70% of its pre-pandemic capacity by the end of this year.
For more information on products and services, download Firefly’s mobile app or visit www.fireflyz.com.my.
