MAS To Launch A New Airline, "Firefly"
Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) will launch a new airline, Firefly, which will begin operation in early April, its managing director and chief executive officer Idris Jala said today.
For a start, Firefly will operate with two Fokker F50 aircraft and provide twice daily services out of Penang International Airport to Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, plus daily services to Phuket and Koh Samui in southern Thailand with one-way ticket price starting from RM9, he said.
These routes are currently not served by MAS or other airlines, he told a press conference at the Transport Ministry here.
Firefly's routes will complement MAS' network connectivity and broaden its reach. The venture is also expected to boost MAS' revenue and targets, he added.
Asked whether it is a low cost carrier, Jala said: "We would like to call it a community airline with a low cost base. It will be a profitable venture."
He expects Firely to break even in its first year of operation and start making a profit from next year. And there is no subsidy from the government, he said.
On suggestions that there are already a number of low cost airlines in the region, Jala said: "If you look at what is happening in Europe and the US (aviation markets) you will see there is still room for new entrants in Asia."
On investment in Firefly, he would only say: "It is a small amount of money."
In a circular to Bursa Malaysia earlier, MAS said Firefly will be run by wholly owned subsidiary Flyfirefly Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Kelas Services Sdn Bhd), which has been issued the Air Services Licence and Air Operator's Certificate by the Civil Aviation Department effective this Saturday. Firefly will be managed by a separate management team.
Jala, who declined to reveal much of the details, said there will be a separate managing director for Firefly and some MAS staff will be seconded for a start, but eventually the new company will recruit its own staff. (Bernama)
For a start, Firefly will operate with two Fokker F50 aircraft and provide twice daily services out of Penang International Airport to Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, plus daily services to Phuket and Koh Samui in southern Thailand with one-way ticket price starting from RM9, he said.These routes are currently not served by MAS or other airlines, he told a press conference at the Transport Ministry here.
Firefly's routes will complement MAS' network connectivity and broaden its reach. The venture is also expected to boost MAS' revenue and targets, he added.
Asked whether it is a low cost carrier, Jala said: "We would like to call it a community airline with a low cost base. It will be a profitable venture."
He expects Firely to break even in its first year of operation and start making a profit from next year. And there is no subsidy from the government, he said.
On suggestions that there are already a number of low cost airlines in the region, Jala said: "If you look at what is happening in Europe and the US (aviation markets) you will see there is still room for new entrants in Asia."
On investment in Firefly, he would only say: "It is a small amount of money."
In a circular to Bursa Malaysia earlier, MAS said Firefly will be run by wholly owned subsidiary Flyfirefly Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Kelas Services Sdn Bhd), which has been issued the Air Services Licence and Air Operator's Certificate by the Civil Aviation Department effective this Saturday. Firefly will be managed by a separate management team.
Jala, who declined to reveal much of the details, said there will be a separate managing director for Firefly and some MAS staff will be seconded for a start, but eventually the new company will recruit its own staff. (Bernama)
posted by The Malaysian. at 3/14/2007 06:04:00 PM
3 Comments:
Hmm..I like the idea, but remains to be seen whether MAS can manage a low-cost airline. Remember Pelangi Air back in the 1990's ?
As for the Fokker F50...good, reliable airplane, but the newest planes were built more than 10 years ago, the manufacturer closed down quite a while ago.
Malaysia is going down a well-worn path of transformation to low-cost airlines. Good luck to Firefly Airlines - their presence can only be good for the consumer.
great flying with firefly...although it is small, but for me it's small & cute, simple fall in love wth the turboprop..don't you thin is a romantic aircraft ?? haha...
simple love it la..
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