Thursday, November 28, 2013

Firefly Goes to Bangkok!

KOTA BHARU: Firefly announced today its service into Bangkok is now open for sale via all its channels - website, mobile, call-centre and Firefly airport and city ticketing offices.

The airline will begin its operations between Kota Bharu and Bangkok, from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to Don Mueang International Airport on 24 January 2014, 4x weekly.

Firefly's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ignatius Ong said, "Firefly operates out of Penang and Subang, connecting secondary destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as well as providing air linkages between Malaysia and Singapore. Services into this new route is an indication that Firefly is marking a significant growth and concurrently offering wider travelling options for business and leisure to and from Thailand. With connections to cities such as Koh Samui, Phuket and now Bangkok, Firefly will market this sector and simultaneously promote the attractions that these cities have got to offer."

"Passengers will find our flight times ideal for both business and leisure travelers alike. The flight departs Kota Bharu at 9.20 am and arrives in Bangkok at 10.50 am, providing passengers plenty of time at their destination. Similarly flights out of Bangkok arrive in Kota Bharu at 14.50pm. Besides domestic travelers, we're also targeting Bangkok travelers keen on visiting Kota Bharu and other parts of Northern Peninsular Malaysia," he said.

Attractions in Kota Bharu include the bustling wet market Pasar Besar Siti Khadiah, Cultural Centre, Royal Museum, State Museum, State Mosque and Istana Jahar featuring Kelantan's rich cultural legacy. Kelantanese are gifted craftsmen with many cottage industries around the state producing silverware, textiles, kites and brass work. Similarly but conversely, Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of the dynamic metropolis. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Phra Sumeru Fortress, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Keao (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and The Grand Palace, are some of the must-see attractions in Bangkok. 

To further promote this route and others on Firefly's network, the airline is currently running an online promotion "Check Us Out", for bookings made up to 8 December 2013 for travel from 2 December 2013 up to 25 October 2014. Find out more at www.fireflyz.com.my.

Source: Firefly | 26 Nov. 2013

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Firefly to launch Kota Bharu – Bangkok

Firefly will operate an ATR turboprop aircraft to Bangkok
New service to operate four times a week from 24 January 2014

Malaysian airline Firefly is planning to launch flights to Bangkok.

Commencing on 24 January 2014, the carrier will operate four weekly flights to the Thai capital’s Don Mueang International Airport, direct from Kota Bharu, on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Services will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using an ATR turboprop aircraft.

“This new route is an indication that Firefly is marking a significant growth and concurrently offering wider travelling options for business and leisure to and from Thailand. With connections to cities such as Koh Samui, Phuket and now Bangkok, Firefly will market this sector and simultaneously promote the attractions that these cities have got to offer,” said Firefly’s CEO, Ignatius Ong.

A regional subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly currently operates to destinations on the Malay Peninsula and surrounding countries including Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

LALUAN BAHARU FIREFLY: KOTA BHARU – BANGKOK

SYARIKAT penerbangan Firefly (Firefly) akan memperkenalkan laluan Kota Bharu (KBR) – Bangkok (DMK) mulai 24 Januari 2014 sekali gus dijangka dapat merancakkan kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2014. Firefly menawarkan penerbangan empat kali seminggu bagi laluan antarabangsa ini, iaitu setiap hari Ahad, Isnin, Rabu, dan Jumaat.

Kempen jualan tiket dan tambang promosi (promo fares) telah bermula pada 25 November 2013 (Isnin) dan iklan mempromosikan laluan ini telah disiarkan di beberapa buah akhbar seperti Sinar Harian dan The Sun pada 25 November 2013. 

Firefly menawarkan harga tambang promosi serendah RM195.00 sehala dari sekarang sehingga 8 Disember 2013 untuk perjalanan dari 24 Januari – 25 Oktober 2014 seperti grafik yang dilampirkan di bawah. Tempahan tiket boleh dibuat melalui laman sesawang Firefly: www.fireflyz.com.my. Tempahan tiket juga boleh dibuat di kaunter-kaunter jualan tiket Firefly dan Malaysia Airlines yang berhampiran dengan anda. 



Info Lapangan Terbang

Bandar raya Bangkok, Thailand merupakan sebuah kota metropolitan kedua terbesar di Asia Tenggara selepas Jakarta, Indonesia. Bandar raya ini mempunyai dua buah lapangan terbang antarabangsa, iaitu Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Suvarnabhumi (BKK) dan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Don Mueang (DMK). Kebanyakan syarikat penerbangan utama dunia beroperasi dari atau ke BKK, manakala DMK khusus untuk syarikat penerbangan tambang murah (LCC) dan juga pesawat kecil seperti AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Firefly, dan sebagainya

Laluan Firefly dari Kota Bharu dan Kekerapan Penerbangan
  1. Kota Bharu (KBR) – Bangkok (DMK): 4 kali seminggu (Ahad, Isnin, Rabu, dan Jumaat)
  2. Kota Bharu (KBR) – Johor Bahru (JHB): 3 kali seminggu (Selasa, Khamis, dan Sabtu)
  3. Kota Bharu (KBR) – Pulau Pinang (PEN): 7 kali seminggu (sekali sehari)
  4. Kota Bharu (KBR) – Subang (SZB): 7 – 9 penerbangan sehari

Kota Bharu Hab Penerbangan ke Indochina

Dalam pada itu, Firefly juga bercadang untuk menjadikan LTSIP sebagai hab penerbangan antarabangsa ke negara-negara Indochina terutamanya Vietnam dan Kemboja. Antara laluan yang berpotensi  ialah Kota Bharu (KBR) – Bandar Raya Ho Chi Minh (SGN), Kota Bharu (KBR) – Phnom Penh (PNH), dan Kota Bharu (KBR) – Siem Reap (REP).

Publisiti

Dalam usaha membantu Firefly mempromosikan laluan baharu ini, Kumpulan KBBRI turut membantu mempromosikan laluan ini melalui dua laman sesawang Facebook, iaitu www.facebook.com/laluankbbangkok dan www.facebook.com/kbbangkokroute. Ia merupakan salah satu tanggungjawab sosial Kumpulan KBBRI dalam usaha mengukuhkan kedudukan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra Kota Bharu (LTSIP) sebagai hab penerbangan Pantaii Timur dan rantau Asia Tenggara (ASEAN). 
The airline will begin its operations between Kota Bharu and Bangkok, from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to Don Mueang International Airport on 24 January 2014, 4x weekly.
Firefly’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ignatius Ong said, “Firefly operates out of Penang and Subang, connecting secondary destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as well as providing air linkages between Malaysia and Singapore.
"Services into this new route is an indication that Firefly is marking a significant growth and concurrently offering wider travelling options for business and leisure to and from Thailand.
"With connections to cities such as Koh Samui, Phuket and now Bangkok, Firefly will market this sector and simultaneously promote the attractions that these cities have got to offer.
“Passengers will find our flight times ideal for both business and leisure travelers alike. The flight departs Kota Bharu at 9.20 am and arrives in Bangkok at 10.50 am, providing passengers plenty of time at their destination. Similarly flights out of Bangkok arrive in Kota Bharu at 14.50pm.
"Besides domestic travelers, we’re also targeting Bangkok travelers keen on visiting Kota Bharu and other parts of Northern Peninsular Malaysia," he said.
Attractions in Kota Bharu include the bustling wet market-Pasar Besar Siti Khadiah, Cultural Centre, Royal Museum, State Museum, State Mosque and Istana Jahar featuring Kelantan’s rich cultural legacy.
Kelantanese are gifted craftsmen with many cottage industries around the state producing silverware, textiles, kites and brass work.
Similarly but conversely, Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of the dynamic metropolis.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Phra Sumeru Fortress, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Keao (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and The Grand Palace, are some of the must-see attractions in Bangkok.
To further promote this route and others on Firefly’s network, the airline is currently running an online promotion “Check Us Out”, for bookings made up to 8 December 2013 for travel from 2 December 2013 up to 25 October 2014.
Find out more at www.fireflyz.com.my
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/firefly-announces-new-service-between-kota-bharu-and-bangkok-43081.php#sthash.XZLDUsxA.dpuf

Firefly to operate between Kota Bharu and Bangkok four times a week

PETALING JAYA: Firefly will begin its operations between Kota Bharu and Bangkok four times a week, starting in January.

Firefly’s chief executive officer Ignatius Ong said the flight from the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to the Don Mueang International Airport would start on Jan 24.

He said tickets for the new route were now open for sale via Firefly channels, including its website, mobile, call-centre, Firefly airports and ticketing offices.

“Services into this new route is an indication that Firefly is marking a significant growth and concurrently offering wider travelling options for business and leisure to and from Thailand,” he said yesterday.

Firefly is running an online promotion “Check Us Out” for bookings up to Dec 8 for the travelling period from Dec 2 till Oct 25 next year. Find out more at www.fireflyz.com.my.

Source: The Star | 27 Nov. 2013

Firefly buka laluan penerbangan Kota Bharu – Bangkok

SYARIKAT penerbangan komuniti Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) mengumumkan penerbangan terus dari Kota Bharu, Kelantan ke Bangkok, Thailand akan dibuka untuk jualan melalui semua rangkaiannya.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Firefly Ignatius Ong berkata, perkhidmatan ke laluan baharu itu menunjukkan pertumbuhan ketara Firefly dalam industri penerbangan negara.

"Selain pelancong domestik, kami juga menyasarkan pelancong dari Bangkok yang berminat untuk melawat Kota Bharu dan bahagian lain di utara Semenanjung Malaysia," katanya melalui satu kenyataan, semalam.

Penerbangan bagi laluan antara Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra dan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Don Mueang itu akan bermula pada 24 Januari 2014 dengan kekerapan empat kali penerbangan seminggu.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Bisnes | 27 Nov. 2013

Monday, November 18, 2013

Firefly lancar majalah Fireflyz dan sasar penumpang bertambah

Anggota kerja Firefy menunjukkan majalah di dalam pesawat untuk syarikat penerbangan itu yang dilancarkan pada 31 Oktober 2013 lepas.
SYARIKAT penerbangan komuniti FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) menyasarkan peningkatan jumlah penumpang 20 peratus menjelang akhir tahun ini berbanding 1.7 juta tahun lalu.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Firefly Ignatius Ong berkata, syarikat itu kini berada di landasan yang betul untuk mencapai sasaran peningkatan itu.

"Peningkatan sasaran ini didorong pelbagai aktiviti syarikat, usaha penjenamaan serta harga tiket penerbangan berpatutan.

Penambahan papan iklan dan peningkatan kekerapan penerbangan di laluan sedia ada berjaya menambah jumlah penumpang,” katanya selepas pelancaran majalah dalam pesawat Firefly di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini.

Menurutnya, Firefly juga akan membuka beberapa laluan baru dalam tempoh enam bulan akan datang dan syarikat itu sedang menunggu penghantaran pesawat kedua ATR 72-600, dijangka tiba bulan depan.

Sementara itu, majalah dalam pesawat dinamakan Fireflyz itu akan diterbitkan secara bulanan bermula bulan ini serta dijangka akan menarik seramai 200,000 pembaca bagi setiap isu.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Bisnes | 3 Nov. 2013

AirAsia mahu mewujudkan hab penerbangan ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) bakal memperkenalkan destinasi baharu iaitu Kota Bharu - Medan selaras dengan usaha kumpulan untuk menjadikan bandar-bandar utama Malaysia sebagai pusat penerbangan ASEAN.

Pengerusi Eksekutifnya, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun (gambar) berkata, pengenalan destinasi Kota Bharu - Medan itu akan bermula pada tahun depan.

Katanya, langkah itu bagi mengembangkan lagi operasi syarikat dan meluaskan destinasi penerbangan di peringkat serantau menerusi utara Semenanjung, selatan, pantai barat dan Malaysia Timur.

Katanya, selain Sepang, pihaknya mahu mewujudkan pusat penerbangan ASEAN di Kota Bharu, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu dan beberapa lagi.

"Kami dalam usaha untuk mencapai sasaran itu dan akan memperkenalkan beberapa destinasi menerusi pusat-pusat penerbangan di seluruh negara," katanya. Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika ditemui di sini baru-baru ini.

Tambah Kamarudin, pihaknya berharap dapat mengukuhkan perhubungan AirAsia dengan kerajaan. Malah, katanya, pihaknya sedia untuk bekerjasama dengan Malaysia Airlines System Bhd. (MAS) untuk saling berkongsi pengalaman.

"Ini merupakan masanya kami di AirAsia bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa (kerajaan). "Kerjasama ini seharusnya dibentuk sejak lama dahulu bagi menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat penerbangan yang besar di rantau ini," ujarnya.

Ketika ditanya mengenai pejabat AirAsia yang berpusat di Indonesia, jelas Kamarudin, pihaknya hanya mempunyai pejabat sekretariat di Indonesia yang memberi hubungan rangkaian yang lebih baik.

Katanya, tidak menjadi isu AirAsia mempunyai pejabat di Indonesia, kerana Malaysia tetap mempunyai peranan penting di peringkat ASEAN.

Bercakap mengenai KLIA2 yang dijangka siap dan mula beroperasi Mei tahun depan, Kamarudin berkata, pihaknya tidak mempunyai apa-apa halangan dan akan berpindah mengikut tarikh yang ditetapkan.

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia | Bisnes | 17 Nov. 2013

LTSIP layak mendapat status lapangan terbang antarabangsa

Aireen Omar menyampaikan cenderamata kepada Mohd Amar ketika Majlis Sambutan Penerbangan Sulung Kota Bharu - Kota Kinabalu pada 16 November 2013.
PENGKALAN CHEPA: Kerajaan Kelantan telah menghantar surat rasmi kepada Kerajaan Pusat untuk memanjangkan landasan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra (LTSIP), di sini supaya boleh dinaik taraf sebagai  lapangan terbang antarabangsa.

Kerajaan negeri telah memohon kepada Kerajaan Persekutuan untuk menambah panjang landasan kapal terbang supaya kapal terbang yang lebih besar boleh mendarat dan menjadikan lapangan terbang Kota Bharu sebagai lapangan terbang antarbangsa,” kata Timbalan Menteri Besar, Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah.

Beliau bercakap kepada pemberita selepas majlis menyambut penerbangan pertama AirAsia untuk laluan Kota Bharu ke Kota Kinabalu. “Lapangan terbang Kuantan telah diluluskan untuk dinaik taraf kepada lapangan terbang antarabangsa.

“Tetapi sekiranya dibandingkan jumlah penerbangan antara lapangan terbang Kota Bharu dengan Kuantan lebih banyak di Kota Bharu,” ujarnya.

Menurut beliau, tiada sebab kenapa lapangan terbang Kota Bharu tidak boleh dinaik taraf sebagai lapangan terbang antarabangsa.

Majlis sambutan ketibaan penerbangan sulung dari Kota Kinabalu di LTSIP.
Sementara itu, Mohd Amar mengharapkan agar cadangan AirAsia untuk menjadikan Kota Bharu sebagai pintu masuk ke Pantai Timur Malaysia dari pelbagai destinasi dipercepatkan.

Tambahnya lagi, kerajaan negeri mengalu-alukan keputusan AirAsia mewujudkan penerbangan lalulan Kota Bharu ke Kota Kinabalu.

“Ramai rakyat Kelantan yang berada di Sabah sama ada berlajar mahupun berkerja.  Dengan adanya pernerbangan terus ini akan memudahkan mereka bergerak dari Kelantan ke Sabah,” katanya lagi.

Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) AirAsia Bhd, Aireen Omar berkata, pihaknya sedang merancang menambah lagi destinasi penerbangan ke Kota Bharu. “Selain destinasi domestik, destinasi luar negara juga telah dikenal pasti bagi laluan ke Kota Bharu.

"Antaranya ialah laluan ke negara China,  Indonesia dan Australia. Kami bercadang untuk menjadikan Kota Bharu sebagai hab bukan hanya untuk penerbangan domestik tetapi juga antarabangsa," jelasnya lagi.

Menurut Aireen, AirAsia adalah satu-satunya syarikat penerbangan negara ini yang menghubungkan Malaysia Timur dengan Pantai Timur Semenanjung.

Sempena laluan baru penerbangan Kota Bharu ke Kota Kinabalu, AirAsia menawarkan promosi istimewa bagi laluan ini. Tambang serendah RM106 sehala ditawarkan sehingga 24 November ini bagi perjalanan dari 1 Disember 2013 hingga 30 April 2014.

Hadir sama pada majlis itu Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri, Datuk Mejar (B) Md Anizam Abdul Rahman, Penolong Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Pemasaran Domestik Tourism Malaysia, Nor Aida Ismail dan Timbalan Exco, Ustaz Abdul Rahman Yunus.

Sumber: Harakah Daily | 18 Nov. 2013

Kerajaan Pusat diminta segera naik taraf landasan LTSIP

Anizam (dua dari kiri) bersama Mohd Amar dan Aireen menyambut ketibaan penumpang penerbangan sulung dari Kota Kinabalu ke Kota Bharu pada 16 November 2013.
KOTA BHARU: Kerajaan negeri berharap kelulusan permohonan pelaksanaan naik taraf landasan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra dapat dipertimbangkan Kerajaan Pusat secepat mungkin.

Timbalan Menteri Besar, Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah berkata, langkah itu untuk menjadikan lapangan terbang tersebut bertaraf antarabangsa, sekali gus membuka peluang kepada pelancong luar datang ke Kelantan.

Kita telah hantar surat rasmi kepada Kerajaan Persekutuan. Kos yang diperlukan juga tidak banyak, lebih kurang RM200 juta sahaja. Kita harap permohonan dipertimbangkan pihak berkenaan.

“Kuantan sudah lulus, sedangkan jumlah kekerapan penerbangan antara Kuantan dan Kota Bharu sangat berbeza, malah kita mendapat permintaan lebih tinggi. Justeru, saya amat berharap perkara ini dipercepatkan. Pada masa sama, kita menggalakkan industri pelancongan negeri yang membawa kebaikan kepada rakyat,” katanya kepada media pada Majlis Sambutan Penerbangan Sulung AirAsia Kota Kinabalu - Kota Bharu, semalam.

Hadir sama, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kebudayaan, Pelancongan dan Warisan, Datuk Md Anizam Abdul Rahman; Penolong Pengarah Kanan, Bahagian Pemasaran Domestik Tourism Malaysia, Nor Aida Ismail dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AirAsia Berhad, Aireen Omar.

Mohd Amar berkata, kerajaan negeri juga turut mengalu-alukan keputusan AirAsia Berhad meneroka lebih luas peluang penerbangan di Kelantan. "Ia akan membantu memudahkan urusan anak Kelantan yang berkhidmat di Sabah pulang ke kampung.

“Kerajaan negeri juga berharap cadangan AirAsia jadikan Kelantan sebagai salah satu hab pelancongan disegerakan kerana ia membantu rakyat terutama dari segi perkembangan ekonomi dan sebagainya,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Aireen berkata, ia langkah pertama pihaknya menghubungkan Malaysia Timur dan Pantai Timur Semenanjung Malaysia.

“Kami berharap dengan penerbangan terus ini memberi lebih manfaat kepada peningkatan jumlah pelancong dan ekonomi negeri ini secara tidak langsung, selain membantu rakyat Kelantan yang berada di luar untuk terus ke Kota Bharu,” katanya.

Penerbangan sulung AK5345 itu turut disertai Pengerusi Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahmood bersama wakil media Sabah.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Edisi Kelantan | 17 Nov. 2013

AirAsia lebar sayap perkenal laluan Kota Bharu - Kota Kinabalu

Aireen (dua dari kiri) dan Mohd Amar (lima dari kanan) menerima replika ketibaan penerbangan sulung Kota Kinabalu - Kota Bharu daripada krew kabin AirAsia yang terlibat.
KOTA BHARU: Syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, AirAsia Berhad melebarkan sayapnya dengan pelancaran penerbangan domestik terus dari Kota Bharu ke Kota Kinabalu, bermula semalam.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Aireen Omar berkata, penerbangan terus itu melibatkan kekerapan tiga kali seminggu iaitu Selasa, Khamis dan Sabtu.

“Laluan baharu ini memberi banyak manfaat kepada rakyat Kelantan. Selain membantu memudahkan perjalanan anak Kelantan yang tinggal di Sabah, ia juga merancakkan ekonomi negeri ini.

Kita  merancang menjadikan Kota Bharu sebagai hab wilayah bagi menghubungkan Malaysia dengan negara lain seperti Australia, China dan Indonesia kerana jarak lebih dekat pada masa akan datang,” katanya kepada media pada Majlis Sambutan Penerbangan Sulung AK5345 di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, semalam.

Penerbangan sulung itu turut disertai Pengerusi Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahmood bersama wakil media Sabah.

Hadir merasmikan majlis, Timbalan Menteri Besar Kelantan, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah; Pengerusi  Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Budaya dan Warisan, Datuk Mejar (B) Anizam Abdul Rahman dan Penolong Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Pemasaran Domestik Tourism Malaysia, Nor Aida Ismail.

Aireen berkata, data terkumpul Julai 2012 sehingga Jun 2013 menunjukkan kira-kira 15,000 pelancong Sabah menggunakan perkhidmatan AirAsia untuk transit ke Kota Bharu.

Menurutnya, ia menunjukkan permintaan terhadap laluan itu meningkat, sekali gus membantu mengembangkan pelbagai sektor utama kedua-dua negeri.

Sementara itu, Mohd Amar berkata, kerajaan negeri mengalu-alukan usaha AirAsia, seiring dengan fokus kerajaan negeri meningkatkan ekonomi rakyat. “Ia juga memberi manfaat kepada hubungan baik kedua-dua negeri dalam pelbagai sektor utama,” katanya.

Sempena pengenalan penerbangan sulung laluan itu, AirAsia menawarkan promosi istimewa penerbangan dengan tambang bermula daripada RM106 sehala yang boleh ditempah dari sekarang sehingga 24 November depan untuk perjalanan bermula 1 Disember hingga 30 April 2014.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Bisnes | 17 Nov. 2013

AirAsia perkenal penerbangan terus dari Kota Kinabalu ke Kota Bharu

KOTA BHARU: Syarikat penerbangan tambang murah AirAsia Bhd memperkenalkan penerbangan terus dari Kota Kinabalu ke Kota Bharu dalam usaha syarikat merancakkan pergerakan pelancongan domestik melibatkan negeri-negeri di Pantai Timur, Sabah dan Sarawak.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Aireen Omar, berkata setakat ini AirAsia adalah satu-satunya syarikat penerbangan yang beroperasi tiga kali seminggu bagi penerbangan terus yang menghubungkan kedua-dua negeri, dan merupakan destinasi domestik kelapan dari Kota Kinabalu.

"Mengikut data yang kami kumpul pada Julai 2012 sehingga Jun 2013, seramai 15,000 pelancong dari Sabah yang menggunakan perkhidmatan AirAsia, melakukan transit di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) Sepang sebelum ke Kota Bharu.

"Ini menunjukkan permintaan yang tinggi dan laluan terus ini sekali gus bakal merancakkan industri pelancongan antara kedua-dua buah negeri," katanya pada majlis sambutan penerbangan sulung syarikat tersebut dari Kota Kinabalu ke Kota Bharu di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra Pengkalan Chepa di sini, hari ini.

Majlis itu dirasmikan Timbalan Menteri Besar Kelantan, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah dan turut dihadiri Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Budaya dan Warisan Datuk Anizam Abdul Rahman serta Penolong Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Pemasaran Domestik Tourism Malaysia, Nor Aida Ismail.

Selain itu, seramai 20 peserta yang terdiri daripada wakil media dan agensi pelancongan Sabah diberi peluang menaiki penerbangan sulung berkenaan, akan menyertai lawatan suai kenal selama tiga hari berkaitan produk-produk pelancongan yang terdapat di Kelantan anjuran Pejabat Pelancongan Kelantan dan Persatuan Ejen-ejan Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Malaysia (Matta) Kelantan.

Sempena sambutan penerbangan sulung tersebut juga, AirAsia menawarkan promosi istimewa penerbangan laluan ini dengan tambang termasuk semua, bermula daripada RM106 sehala yang boleh ditempah dari sekarang sehingga 24 November depan untuk perjalanan bermula 1 Disember hingga 30 April 2014. 

Aireen berkata pihaknya juga merancang untuk menjadikan Kota Bharu sebagai hab wilayah bagi menghubungkan Malaysia dengan negara Australia, China dan Indonesia kerana jarak yang lebih dekat berbanding menggunakan perkhidmatan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA).

Sumber: BERNAMA | 16 Nov. 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013

16 airports in Malaysia have safety certifications

SEPANG: Six airports under the management of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) yesterday received the Aerodrome and the Safety Management System (SMS) certifications from the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

Malacca and Kota Bharu (Kelantan) airports both received Aerodrome and the SMS certifications, while Miri (Sarawak), Tawau (Sabah), Sultan Mahmud (Terengganu) and Sultan Azlan Shah (Perak) airports each received the SMS certification.

These airports make 16 airports in total to obtain the certifications, comprising five international airports and 11 domestics airports under MAHB's management.

The Aerodrome certification is a testimony that these airports have successfully completed the comprehensive audit by DCA based on Annex 14 Convention on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICSO).

It aims to establish a regulatory system to ensure that the facilities, equipment, services and operational procedures are in compliance with the standard and recommended practices specified in the ICAO Annex 14 document.

The SMS indicates conformance to all safety requirements and achieving continuous improvement in safety performance that include the essential features of safety such as policy, strategy and planning and implementation as well as promotion, record, staff training and competency.

MAHB chief operating officer Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohd Ali said with the certification, MAHB can demonstrate to the world that the airports placed high importance to safety.

"These airports will continue to undergo annual scheduled inspections to ensure that the requirements of the certification are continuously met," he said at the launch of runway safety team (RST) and standards and safety handbook here, followed by the Aerodrome and SMS certification presentation by DCA director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman.

Abdul Hamid said the handbook is the result of cooperation between Airport Standards Division of the DCA and MAHB, which will become the guidelines to those involved in airport development, operations and maintenance projects under the management of MAHB, while RST is one of the initiatives from the ICAO to ensure operation safety and reduction of accidents on runways worldwide.

"Each RST will be represented by a pilot from airline companies, air traffic control officer and airport maintenance staff," he said.

Source: Business Times | 14 Nov. 2013

Friday, November 8, 2013

Don’t ignore Kelantan airport, PM urged

Kota Bharu MP calls on Putrajaya to allocate funds for the upgrading of state airport in view it is the second busiest in the country and with Putrajaya aiming to transform Malaysia into a regional aviation hub. 

KUALA LUMPUR: Kota Bharu MP Takiyuddin Hassan today urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to consider allocating a budget for the upgrading of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kelantan as Putrajaya is harbouring the ambition of transforming Malaysia into a regional aviation hub.
 
The PAS MP urged the federal government not to sideline Kelantan, “just because we (the state) are ruled by a party that is not part of the federal ruling coalition.”

“I hope the prime minister, in his review of Budget 2014, will allocate funds for the upgrading of KBR,” Takiyuddin told reporters outside parliament today.

“After all, tourists who visit Kelantan are tourists who visit Malaysia,” he added, referring to Putrajaya’s Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Takiyuddin disclosed that KBR was the second busiest airport in the country, receiving 1.259 million visitors in 2012 – an 11 percent increase from 1.132 million visitors the year before.

“So you can imagine how many visitors the airport will have in 2013 or 2014 during VMY,” he said, adding that the KBR could only accommodate a maximum of 1.4 million passengers.

He also disclosed that the current length and width of the runway as 2,400m and 45m respectively. “I hope the federal government will consider extending its length to 3,500m and width to 60m as big aeroplanes are unable to land at the runway right now,” he said.

“The Kelantan government has acquired plenty of land which are not used to plant coconuts. They can use that land,” he added.

Takiyuddin then pointed out that AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes had recently referred to KBR as the next AirAsia hub.

“Therefore, I urged the government to allocate some funds to develop KBR along with the other listed airports.”

During the announcement of Budget 2014, Najib had bolstered the government’s emphasis on the aviation industry as Putrajaya aimed at transforming Malaysia into a regional aviation hub.

The government vowed to upgrade several airports such as those in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan in Sabah as well as Miri, Sibu and Mukah in Sarawak.

Najib also said the tourism sector was expected to generate a revenue of RM65bil by the end of this year and was anticipated to rake in more.

Source: Free Malaysia Today Online | 30 Oct. 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

AirAsia to operate the only direct flight from Kota Kinabalu – Kota Bharu

SEPANG: AirAsia is introducing its 8th domestic route from its second busiest hub in Malaysia – Kota Kinabalu, with the announcement of 3x weekly direct flights from Kota Kinabalu – Kota Bharu, which will commence from 16th November 2013 onwards. 

This new direct flight will further complement AirAsia’s extensive connectivity from East Malaysia to Peninsular Malaysia, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and will be the sole airline to operate this route in the country.
 
Promotional all-in-fares are from as low as RM99 one way, and the inaugural flight will take off on 16th November and guests are able to travel from then until 5th August 2014 when they book online from now until 15th September 2013 at www.airasia.com

Kenny Wong, Head of Commercial, AirAsia Berhad commented, “There is an increasing trend in those travelling to Kota Bharu from Kota Kinabalu, where they connect via our other hubs such as Johor Bahru & Kuala Lumpur. This new 3x weekly direct flight will be a major convenience factor, and enhance both business & leisure travellers’ numbers into each state, and AirAsia is proud to be the only airline connecting East Malaysia directly to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Furthermore, tourists & business travellers from Chinese destinations such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, as well as Taipei who fly into Kota Kinabalu through AirAsia can now connect directly to Kota Bharu to experience the beauty of Perhentian Islands, or even source for the exquisite batik that are produced in Kelantan,” added Kenny.


Sabahans and those who need to connect via Kota Kinabalu can easily reach the north of Peninsular Malaysia with direct flights to Penang; or to the south with direct flights to Johor Bahru; and now the East Coast of Peninsular with this new direct flight to Kota Bharu. 

AirAsia connects both East Malaysia and Peninsular with 417x weekly flights, and offers the best connectivity within East Malaysia as well.


Stay tuned to AirAsia’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/AirAsia) for updates on latest promotions, activities and AirAsia news.

Source: AirAsia | 5 Sept. 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

RM312 juta naik taraf lapangan terbang

Pusat Pengurusan Trafik Udara bernilai RM700 juta bakal dibina di KLIA.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) melihat pengumuman Belanjawan 2014 dalam sektor penerbangan membolehkan lapangan terbang Malaysia terus maju dan jauh lebih baik daripada lapangan terbang di negara lain.

Hal ini kerana peruntukkan RM312 juta kerajaan dalam menaik taraf beberapa lapangan terbang termasuk di Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan Sabah serta Miri, Sibu juga Mukah di Sarawak akan menyediakan kapasiti tambahan bagi syarikat penerbangan untuk mengembangkan operasi mereka di Malaysia. 

Tambahan, sebuah pusat PengurusanTrafik Udara baharu dengan kos sebanyak RM700 juta akan dibina di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). Sistem baharu ini akan dapat meningkatkan pergerakan trafik udara dari 68 kepada 108 pergerakan setiap jam melalui tiga landasan dan kapasiti pengendalian ia adalah antara yang tertinggi di dunia.

Pengarah Urusannya Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad berkata, peruntukkan itu juga membolehkan syarikatnya untuk mengoptimumkan penggunaan semua tiga landasan di KLIA untuk penerbangan.

“Kami gembira dengan keputusan yang dibuat oleh Kerajaan untuk meningkatkan sistem kawalan trafik udara yang dikendalikan oleh Jabatan Penerbangan Awam.

“Sehubungan dengan menaik taraf lapangan terbang, kami dapat terus bekerjasama dengan kerajaan untuk menaik taraf infrastruktur lapangan terbang bagi kemudahan orang awam,” katanya di sini, semalam.

Dalam pembentangan Belanjawan semalam, turut diumumkan adalah menggubal Dasar Penerbangan Nasional yang akan menggariskan langkah bagi mengukuh eko-sistem dan rantaian perkhidmatan industri penerbangan.

Bashir berkata, pihaknya mengalu-alukan keputusan penggubalan dasar itu yang memberi kesan baik untuk industri penerbangan. Lapangan terbang, syarikat penerbangan dan pihak berkepentingan yang berkenaan akan dapat bekerjasama untuk mempromosikan perjalanan udara.

Source: Harian Metro Online | 26 Oct. 2013

Budget 2014 to boost MAHB long term growth

KUCHING: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is poised to be the biggest beneficiary to the RM1 billion budget allocated for the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities at some airports the aviation industry, announced during Budget 2014.

To recap, in Budget 2014 tabled last Friday, the government announced that it will allocate a total of RM1 billion for the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities at some airports in the country. These include the allocation of RM700 million for the replacement of existing air traffic control and management system in Subang, a new air traffic management centre which will be built at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

In addition, RM312 million has also been allocated for the upgrading of Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Miri, Sibu, and Mukah airports in Sabah and Sarawak.

The Budget 2014 also outlined the set-up of a National Aviation Policy to strengthen the ecosystem and services network in the Malaysian aviation industry to make Malaysia a leading aviation hub.

According to RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd (RHB Research), MAHB, which manages all airports across the country except for one in Johor, is likely to be a major beneficiary of this government’s initiative in the long run.

“Our checks with management indicates that the Budget 2014 allocation for infrastructure upgrades will unlikely translate into a higher proportion of user fees, noting that these assets that the government is spending on will not be revenue-generating.

“For the past airport upgrades in Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu and Malacca, as well as the ongoing Kota Kinabalu Airport upgrade, the government’s higher capital expenditure allocation did not translate into a higher revenue share for MAHB,” the research firm explained.

As such, it upgraded its earnings forecast for on MAHB financial year 2014 (FY14) and FY15 by six and 10 per cent respectively, attributed to higher passenger assumptions, with its FY13 and FY14 growth assumptions raised to 14 and 12 per cent, a lower corporate tax rate, which the research firm have reduced to one per cent, and higher interest income on a higher cash pile as it trimmed its costs overruns assumptions for the KLIA2 from RM0.5 billion to RM0.2 billion.

Source: Borneo Post Online | 29 Oct. 2013

MAHB to gain from Govt airport plan

IN Budget 2014, the Government announced that it would allocate a total RM1bil for the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities at some airports in the country.

RHB Research sees Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) as a major beneficiary of this initiative in the long run.

The research house’s checks with the MAHB management indicates that the Budget 2014 allocation for infrastructure upgrades would unlikely translate to a higher proportion of user fees as the assets that the Government is spending on will not be revenue-generating.

In past airport upgrades in Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, and Malacca, as well as the ongoing Kota Kinabalu International Airport upgrade, the Government’s higher capital expenditure allocation did not translate to a higher revenue for MAHB. 

Meanwhile, its discounted cash flow-based fair value (FV) is raised to RM10.13 from RM8.47, based on a weighted average cost of capital of 7% from 7.5% on the assumption of lower returns on market.

It said the RM10.13 FV implies FY14 enterprise value per earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 15 times.

Source: The Star Online | 29 Oct. 2013

AirAsia bakal rintis laluan antarabangsa Kota Bharu - Medan

SYARIKAT penerbangan tambang murah (LCC) terbesar di rantau Asia, AirAsia bakal merintis laluan penerbangan Kota Bharu  - Medan, iaitu laluan penerbangan antarabangsa pertama dari Pantai Timur, Semenanjung Malaysia ke Sumatera, Indonesia.

Cadangan ini bakal direalisasikan oleh syarikat penerbangan ini pada tahun 2014 sempena kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2014 sekali gus menjadikan Lapangan Terbang Kota Bharu (KBR), Kelantan, Malaysia menjadi hab penerbangan antarabangsa serantau.

Medan merupakan bandar raya terbesar di Sumatera dan yang keempat di Indonesia selepas Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, dan Bekasi. Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Namu Medan (KNO) merupakan pintu keluar masuk utama ke Medan. Medan merupakan ibu wilayah Sumatera Utara yang mempunyai penerbangan terus antarabangsa dari atau ke Malaysia melalui Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia & Malaysia Airlines), Subang (Firefly), dan Pulau Pinang (AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, dan Sriwijaya Air), manakala Sriwijaya Air-Flying Fox Airways akan memperkenalkan laluan antarabangsa Ipoh - Medan mulai 8 November 2013 dengan kekerapan dua kali seminggu.

Antara destinasi pelancongan menarik di Medan ialah Masjid Raya Medan, Istana Maimun, Danau Toba, Air Terjun Sipiso-piso, Pulau Simosir, Taman Tema Sibolangit Hill, dan Taman Negara Gunung Leuser. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari: http://www.welcometomedan.com.

Dalam pada itu, AirAsia juga berminat memperkenalkan semula laluan penerbangan Kota Bharu - Singapura yang pernah dirintis oleh syarikat penerbangan Firefly dari 10 Ogos 2012 sehingga 10 Julai 2013. AirAsia juga akan menjadikan KBR sebagai hab penerbangan antarabangsa ke Indochina pada tahun hadapan.

New airline gives more options to get to Medan from Ipoh

Miniature airliners: The air stewardesses displaying models of the airline’s Boeing 737- 400 aircraft during the launch at Impiana Hotel.
THOSE travelling to Indonesia will have another airline to choose from when Flying Fox Airways starts its Ipoh - Medan flights next month.

The new airline in partnership with Sriwijaya Air, a leading airline company in Indonesia, will be offering flights from the Sultan Azlan Shah airport to the Kuala Namu airport on Mondays and Fridays starting Nov 8.

Flying Fox Airways chief executive officer Daniel Lee said the Ipoh - Medan route marked only the beginning of the airline’s plans of establishing Ipoh as a checkout point and transit hub to international destinations.

“We will be increasing the frequency of flights to Medan and introducing an Ipoh - Medan - Dhaka route in December and are looking into setting up a flight to China in the near future.

“We will operate very closely with the Kuala Namu airport, which will function as our transit hub while our main base remains at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport,” he said during the airline’s official launch here, recently.

Lee, who is an Ipoh-born, said the airline’s slogan Flying Just Got Easier reflected its aim of providing hassle-free, affordable and convenient air travel for locals, tourists and businessmen in Perak right at their doorstep.

For the past 10 years, the most dynamic air travel growth has been centred on the Asia and Pacific regions, where air travel access is boosted by fast-growing trade and investment.

“In partnering with Perak Tourism, we can contribute by opening up the state to even greater potential and putting Ipoh on the international map,” he said.

Perak Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Nolee Ashilin Mohd Radzi officiated at the launch and witnessed the signing of memorandum of understandings with its business partners.

In her speech read out by Perak Economic Planning Unit (Upen) director Datuk Abu Bakar Said, she said the launch was a monumental occasion for the state as the airline was the first to be based here.
Positive move: Lee and Nolee Ashilin unveiling a plaque to officiate the launch of Flying Fox Airways.

“The state government’s vision of turning Perak into a top player in the skies is coming closer to reality through this.

“I am positive that we will see increased international trade and investments following the airline’s launch, as well as a larger influx of visitors to our tourist destinations such as Lumut, Pangkor Island, Gua Tempurung and Kek Look Tong cave temple,” she said.

The airline will be using Boeing 737-400 aircraft that can accommodate 152 passengers and is expected to launch its website by the end of this month.

Source: The Star | 16 Oct. 2013

Ipoh - Medan flights to take off next month

Daniel Lee (fifth from left) after the signing of the memorandum of understanding with travel agencies at the launch of Flying Fox Airlines Sdn Bhd. Pic by Supian Ahmad.

IPOH: Those who want to fly to Medan in Indonesia need not go to Penang anymore to catch their flights. Beginning Nov 8, Indonesia's third largest carrier, Sriwijaya Air, will have flights from Ipoh to Medan, following the signing of a coach-sharing agreement with Flying Fox Airways Sdn Bhd, a Perak-based company offering the service.

The carrier will be operating between the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport and the Kuala Namu Airport in Medan, Indonesia.

"The new air service, using Boeing 737-400, can ferry up to 163 passengers, with flights on Monday and Fridays," Flying Fox Airways chief executive officer Daniel Lee said after the launch of the company by State Tourism, Health and Cultural Committee chairman Nolee Ashilin Mohd Radzi on Friday.

"The main advantage of flying with Sriwijaya Air is convenience. The ticket is priced about RM400 one-way, including all charges.

"We are happy to note that seats for the Ipoh - Medan flights are 80 per cent booked for the next six months with the balance of 20 per cent reserved for walk-in customers.

Lee said the vision of Flying Fox was to make Ipoh a one-stop centre where the city will be a check-out point to international destinations including Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Macau and Australia.

"Meanwhile, Kuala Namu Airport, which is near Medan, is expected to become the new international transit centre for Sumatera.

"Both the Kuala Namu and the Sultan Azlan Shah airports will function as our international hubs, with Ipoh serving as our main base and Kuala Namu as a transit hub.

He added that the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport had been underutilised. The airport was recently re-opened after it was upgraded. Its runway was lengthened from 1.8km to 2km.

"We hope to make the airport the second northern hub for international destinations after Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang. "For that, Flying Fox Airways intends to purchase two planes which will be based at the airport next year."

Source: New Straits Times | Northern Region | 15 Oct. 2013

Firefly: More than just connecting people

FIREFLY, a regional carrier and a fully owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, is in transformation from a community airline to a boutique airline serving mainly the business crowd. Inside Investor asked the enigmatic Ignatius Ong, Firefly’s CEO, about strategy, safety records and future plans.
Ignatius Ong, Firefly's CEO

Q: What is your definition of a community airline?
A: There are a lot of legacy airlines among the national airlines in the world with a lot of fundamental structures in place that are hard to change. We wanted to do something ground-breaking, to start a new airline set as a template within our airline group and not follow the same model. The point was to do something which hasn’t been done before in Malaysia. Firefly was originally launched for “short hops”, to connect communities within Malaysia and the wider region, thus the term community airline. However, over time we saw that our flights were increasingly used by the business community as well as leisure passengers, and so we decided to softly rebrand the airline towards a premium boutique airline because we are today doing a lot more than connecting communities, for example flying to primary airports.

Q: Are there any synergies with MASwings?
A: Not really. It’s our sister company, but they have a different focus, on Borneo. They are connecting the rural communities there. From that perspective, it’s different, although from the group level the business model of both is centered on turboprops. Another difference is that some routes of MASwings are subsidised by the government because they have to connect remote regions which is commercially unviable. But our model is solely based on commercial operations.

Q: Do you foresee to deploy jets in addition to the turboprops?
A: It’s not really the right time now. Our strength today is turboprops and we know how to address this traffic sector. However, I’d never say never.

Q: What is your long-term target for the fleet size?
A: We have 13 aircraft at present, and 19 are on order. In five years from now, I would like to reach the 20-mark of deployed aircraft.

Q: Do you also see network expansion?
A: Yes, but a network expansion is somehow limited for a turboprop fleet with a two-hour reach. We are now creating hubs, apart from the central hub in Selangor, in Penang, Johor, Malacca  and Kota Bharu for the East Coast. That way, we can increase our reach and network as much as possible as opposed to just operating one hub. We are a point-to-point carrier and will go wherever there is demand. For example, there is no connection from Singapore to Ipoh, here we can act.

Q: What are the fundamental reasons for Firefly’s growth?
A: We have a strong brand, and many people have heard of us. However, some say they haven’t tried us yet. So we did a brand refresh this year to get the message through. Otherwise, we can stimulate demand on certain routes to grow to a sizeable scale, and at the same time reduce costs which we translate into low fares for our passengers, which, in turn, stimulates demand further. For example: Many people go on holiday two times a year – but I want to price our flights so that they can go four times a year for the same amount of money. I know that there is much competition outside, but that way we don’t cut into the pie of the others, but just create more flights. That is the whole idea, and that’s why traffic is growing. One of our most active passengers travels with us 200 times a year. Moreover, many businesses are here in Selangor, and many corporate people want to avoid traveling to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and rather use us. In KLIA or LCCT, you need to be there at least three hours earlier for check-in, whereas for us here it can take less than 15 minutes all the way to get on board. It’s very time-saving and allows us to have a quick turnaround. Especially for corporate people, it makes a big difference to fly with us in terms of time efficiency.

Q: Is Firefly a low-cost carrier?
A: This was the original idea, but we are definitely not. There are refreshments on board, pre-assigned seats, and people do not to have to pay for extras. Furthermore, the passenger composition on our aircraft is much different from others. Many airlines are, for example, carrying many first-time flyers, while we have predominantly frequent flyers. This makes a big difference.

Q: When do you think would be the right time for a stock listing?
A: This is hard to say. It depends on the government, first and foremost, as we are still a government-linked company. I think we are not at the right size yet. We need to reach a status that everyone in Malaysia knows us and almost everyone has flown with us then this would be the right time. The people who can make a decision on a stock listing are actually at Khazanah Nasional or Malaysia Airlines because they are holding the shares.

Q: There have been major safety issues with some rapidly expanding airlines. What is Firefly’s stance on that?
A: You are absolutely right, we have seen a lot of airlines rushing in to get their operating licenses. There might be a situation where safety could be compromised, but at Firefly we would never do anything that way. We are using the safety protocols of Malaysia Airlines which was one of the pioneers in safety and is well renowned for its safety records. We are also cooperating with the manufacturers in terms of maintenance and do more than what’s required. We also started our own maintenance, and of course this may be a little costlier, but there is nothing more important than safety in aviation. An airline can make huge profits, but there only needs to be one incident that not only costs the brand its reputation but more importantly human life. There are two paramount things for our company: Profitability and safety. Good maintenance also means to get high performance and less breakdowns or delays, which is as important.

Q: What will the ASEAN Economic Community bring?
A: We can’t go on it alone in the long run. We have a focus on domestic flights and the competition is pretty strong. We work closely with Malaysia Airlines on code-sharing to offer new connections. In the long run, we would also look into the opportunity to code-share with other airlines in the region. We can’t grow organically alone.

Q: Why did firefly withdraw from East Malaysia?
A: At that time Firefly actually occurred some losses on these routes, and the parent company, which itself was restructuring, said we should focus on what we really are good at, and it was the right decision at that point of time in my view as we have all seen.

A little on the background of the CEO, Ignatius Ong:
Started his career as a personal banker around 20 years ago, worked in local and corporate banks and then switched to Andersen Consulting – today Accenture -, where he was a senior consultant overseeing a number of projects, such as mergers, CRM, loan restructuring etc. within the financial services sector in Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius. Mr Ong joined Malaysia Airlines in 2004 where as a manager in the project management department and later moved on to take on a role with the then programme management office. Then became regional senior vice president for Australia, New Zealand and Southwest Pacific and was responsible for the region’s route revenue and profitability between 2010 and 2012. After that, he was called back and asked to take on the position at Firefly.

Firefly’s route map:
 Source: Investvine | 24 Sept. 2013