Firefly flies from Penang to Phuket with its new Boeing 737-800s.
PHUKET beckons! After a long hiatus, travellers are once again able to make a getaway to Thailand’s biggest island for their long-awaited dose of sun, sea and sand.
To get there, Firefly – an airline under the Malaysia Aviation Group – has recommenced passenger flights to Phuket from Penang using its new Boeing 737-800s.
The first flight FY3600 to Phuket arrived at 2.20pm local time with 134 passengers on Aug 26.
The airline will operate four-times weekly services from Penang (PEN) to Phuket (HKT) and vice versa.
This recommencement of flights to Phuket marks the second international destination for Firefly after Seletar in Singapore last June.
“As global travel restrictions, especially across Asean, are lifted, customers are excited and look forward to travel for leisure hassle-free. The launch of our new Boeing 737-800 jets earlier this year will drive more traffic and fly more passengers to various destinations, connecting them between cities and favourite holiday destinations like Phuket,” says Firefly chief executive officer Philip See.
Firefly flights will be conveniently timed to arrive at noon in Phuket to give travellers more time to indulge in scrumptious food and drinks, enjoy street performances, marvel over the local handicraft, partake in the night life, and generally have a chill time.
The vibrant streets of Phuket where tourists can partake in great food and drinks, enjoy performances, appreciate the local handicraft, and have a good time.
Travellers from Phuket to Penang can explore the Malaysian island’s colonial heritage and architecture, beautiful beaches, and some say the world’s best street food.
“It is great to see that Malaysian travellers from Penang think of Thailand as a preferred destination and are ready to explore Phuket with the convenience of Firefly’s direct flight,” says Nongyao Jirundorn of the Tourism Authority Thailand, Kuala Lumpur office.
“Penang and Phuket share similarities in history and cultures. Malaysian tourists will feel like home away from home while enjoying unique Phuket southern food and the beautiful beaches.
“This year, there has been 890,000 tourist arrivals to Phuket from all over the world. Thailand also welcomed 560,000 Malaysian tourists from January to August this year.”
Nantasiri Ranasiri of the Tourism Authority Thailand, Phuket office adds: “Phuket has much to offer; it is home to amazing beaches.
“Tourists will get to enjoy Phuket’s gastronomy scene, from Michelin-star restaurants to street food. There are also many high-quality hotels and resorts with safe and hygienic practices to welcome all Malaysians.”
Penang Global Tourism cheif executive officer Ooi Chok Yan says: “We look forward to further boosting tourist arrivals, while at the same time connecting Penangites and the northern community to more destinations internationally with the Firefly network.
“Penang has more to offer than just serene beaches. Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is recognised as a Unesco world heritage city with its buildings, history, as well as art and culture scene that co-exist alongside modern development, and also the newly-recognised Penang Hill Unesco Biosphere Reserve.”
The recommencement of Penang-Phuket-Penang flights is in addition to Firefly’s destinations using Boeing 737-800 jets, following launches to Langkawi, Johor Baru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu recently.
For better value, customers on these Boeing 737-800 flights can opt for add-ons under the Plus, Extra or Flex packages – such as 20kg baggage allowance, in-flight hot meals, two times flight changes, Enrich points, priority baggage, boarding and check-in, all seat selection, travel insurance and more.
Firefly aims to connect passengers within the regions, providing more choices and seamless service on every journey.
For more information and to book Phuket flights, go to Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my) or mobile app, booking offices and travel agents.
