SIBU - Firefly, Your Community Airline, celebrated its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Sibu Airport today. FY 660 took off at 7.30 am, with a load factor of 72 per cent, and arrived in Sibu at 9.15am. The average load factor of the first Kuala Lumpur - Sibu inaugural flight was 83 per cent.

Upon arrival, Firefly passengers were given a grand reception by way of a traditional Sarawakian greeting led by Sarawak Tourism Board's CEO, Datuk Rashid Khan and Firefly's Managing Director, Dato' Eddy Leong.

Datuk Lau Nai Hoh, President of the United Chinese Association Sibu division and his delegation of 30 members were also at the airport greeting this special group of passengers. They, in turn, took Firefly's turnaround flight at 9.45am from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur.

Leong said: "The commencement of Firefly's twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu signifies our commitment in providing direct air access via linking our nation's capital with the central region of Sarawak. The objective is to offer travel convenience between East and West Malaysia and to provide easy domestic connectivity to foreigners visiting Malaysia."

Leong further reiterated: "Firefly's code share with Malaysia Airlines is an added value that strengthens our position in East Malaysia and also other routes. It allows passengers to purchase Firefly tickets from any Malaysian Airlines ticketing office worldwide. This is especially convenient for overseas travellers who wish to make onward connections and visit destinations serviced by Firefly".

Firefly is also investing in a system upgrade which will enable the airline to offer interlining facilities with Malaysia Airlines for passenger and baggage check through to their final destination. This will commence on 1 September 2011.

Firefly takes over the Kuala Lumpur - Sibu flight from Malaysia Airlines which will withdraw on August 1. Leong said: "Seasonal travellers on Kuala Lumpur - Sibu route will be happy to note that they will continue to enjoy the same benefits they were used to on Malaysia Airlines as we will continue to offer premium facilities such as aerobridges for their comfort and safety and we operate this route out of a world renown award-winning airport.

Sibu represents Firefly's second destination in Sarawak, after Kuching. Firefly is currently offering two daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu. The flights depart KLIA at 7.20am and 6.40pm and from Sibu at 9.45am and 9.05pm respectively.

Currently, Firefly also offers seven daily return flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching and twice daily return flights from Johor Bahru to Kuching.

Today's event also witnessed the official opening of Firefly's latest Airport Ticketing Office that has been open to the public since June 1. Leong said: "This is in line with our effort to ensure Firefly's guaranteed low fares are readily available to all. Firefly has enhanced its distribution channels by establishing more conveniently situated airport and city ticketing offices."

He reiterated the benefits of flying with Firefly whereby passengers will enjoy incredible value with low fares, offering savings of up to 30 per cent with its seamless holistic approach. Firefly's customers will be able to enjoy a superior level of booking convenience, comfort and service at low fares on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These low fares signify the company's commitment to better serve the community and provide discerning travellers greater choice and incredible value for money.

Firefly offers an introductory promotional all-inclusive one way fare at RM 29.00 nett. The fares are already available for booking from now until July 3 for travel between 12 July to 21 October 2011.

At the same time, for travel from 12 January 2012 to 24 March 2012, Firefly is offering fares from as low as RM18. For booking details, please visit www.fireflyz.com.my

Firefly and Sarawak Tourism Board jointly hosted a three day familiarization trip for the press from Kuala Lumpur to further promote Sibu as the latest Firefly destination.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Kuala Lumpur - Sibu/ Sibu - Kuala Lumpur
Effective 1 July 2011
Flight No  Route  Departure  Arrival   Flight Time
FY 660    KUL/ SBW     07:20           09:15          1:55
FY 664    KUL/ SBW     18:40           20:35          1:55
FY 661   SBW/ KUL      09:45           11:35          1:50
FY 665   SBW/ KUL      21:05           22:55          1:50

Improving connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching
*From 1 August, Kuala Lumpur - Kuching route will increase with one additional frequency to 8 times daily
*From 1 December, Kuala Lumpur - Kuching route will increase to 9 times daily.

Domestic and regional expansion plans

The following new routes are already on sale:
*Commencing August 1 - Twice daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan;
*Commencing August 14 - Four weekly flights between Johor Bahru and Surabaya;
*Commencing August 16 - Three weekly flights between Johor Bahru and Bandung;
*Commencing December 1 - Three daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi

Existing routes using jet aircraft.

*6 daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu;
*7 daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching;
*2 daily flights from Johor Bahru to Kuching;
*2 daily flights from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu.
Passenger traffic on Firefly is expected to more than triple by the end of this year, from 1.3 million at the end of 2010 to five million.

Background on Firefly

Firefly began its operations in 2007 and currently operates a fleet of 10 ATR 72-500 turboprop, six B737-800s and one B737-400s. The ATR 72-500s operate out of Penang and Subang. The B737-800s operate out of Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu while the B737-400s operate out of Johor Bahru.

Firefly services include point-to-point connectivity, aligning with the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) agenda that offer services within Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

Firefly offers low fares, providing incredible value as well as convenient flight timings and excellent service to its passengers. On the ATR 72-500s, passengers are allowed 20kg check-in baggage allowance, provided complimentary in-flight refreshment, assigned seating and city airports as our hubs. With the Jet services, passengers are guaranteed lowest fares and savings on bundled sets of services and aerobridge facilities at all airports Firefly flies to.

Firefly has received the following awards:

*2010 Frost & Sullivan Value Airline of the Year;
*Green Initiative of the Year 2010 award by Leaders in Aviation in conjunction with the Doha Aviation Summit 2010.
*Firefly is also recognised as the Best Brand in Aviation for the Brand Laureate 2010.
Firefly is proud to be the first company in Malaysia and the second airline in the world to have a page on Foursquare, the location-based social network that enables travellers to discover useful travel tips near their airports or destinations.

For more interesting facts and tips, visit http://foursquare.com/flyfirefly to meet up
with friends, discover new places and unlock rewards as you travel.
Firefly also connects with the world through Facebook and Twitter.

Issued by:
Marketing & Communications Department, Firefly
For enquiries, please contact:

Kalpana Deva
DID:03-78402250
Email: kalpana.devasagayam@malaysiaairlines.com

S.Puvaneswary
DID:03-78634911
Email:puvanes.selvadurai@malaysiaairlines.com