Firefly to start jet flights out of Penang next year

MAG said in a statement yesterday that Firefly would be adding up to 10 narrow body jets to its fleet in phases.

PETALING JAYA: Low-cost carrier Firefly Airlines, which now operates a fleet of 12 twin turboprops, will launch its jet operations in the first quarter of 2021 (1Q21), serving the domestic, Asean and Asia-Pacific markets out of Penang International Airport.

With the new venture, Firefly will diversify its base connecting secondary cities in Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

In addition, the jet operations will complement Firely’s sister company, Malaysia Airlines, in serving the leisure markets.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), now operates mainly within Malaysia.

MAG said in a statement yesterday that Firefly would be adding up to 10 narrow body jets to its fleet in phases.

The low-cost carrier will leverage on available resources and talents from within MAG, with the possibility of deploying the Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Malaysia Airlines.

This will gives Malaysia Airlines room to focus on its network serving the premium market.

According to MAG group chief executive officer (CEO) Captain Izham Ismail, (file pic below) domestic and short haul travel will be the most preferred in the current environment.

Izham said “it makes commercial sense for Firefly to supply this demand but from the northern region”.

“This is in line with the group’s enhanced Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 which has been realigned to suit the current and future environment post-Covid-19, with a focus on strengthening the revenue streams of each subsidiary, ” he said.

The setup of Firefly’s Penang hub jet operations requires minimal investment by MAG in 2021, with an expected increase in average seat per kilometre by 36% over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Firefly CEO Philip See said the low-cost carrier’s upcoming jet operations will help it to adapt to market needs that have changed post-Covid-19.

“Firefly is ready to carry that challenge, as we see strong potential in this dual hub strategy, while maintaining our turbo propeller service out of Subang Skypark, serving the mix of corporate and leisure travellers, ” stated See.

With the new jet operations, Firefly will offer a flexible service concept – with product unbundling to suit the leisure-focused and price-sensitive customers, providing a more significant value proposition.

Passengers will continue to enjoy the privileges and services like a premium carrier including a complimentary 20kg checked baggage allowance as well as the opportunity to accrue and redeem Enrich reward points with an option to add other privileges such as seat selection and insurance coverage.