Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, was officially launched on April 2 when the inaugural flights of its two Fokker Friendship (F-50) aircraft landed successfully at Penang International Airport.

The passenger entourage of both aircraft, comprising Malaysia's Tourism Minister YB Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, invited guests and Firefly staff, that departed earlier from Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport was greeted on arrival in Penang by YB Mr. Teng Chang Yeow, the Penang State Government Ex-Co Member and Chairman of Tourism Development and Environment Committee.

Mr. Eddy Leong Chin Tung, Managing Director of Firefly, in his speech at the launch ceremony in Penang said, "Firefly will operate as Malaysia's first community airline, offering safe, affordable and comfortable flying experience thus making flying with us a fun and smart choice for our guests."

"We will be playing a key role in the network plan of our parent company and break new grounds to capture a new market segment, by serving destinations which are not financially viable for Malaysia Airlines. In this way we will contribute to the growth of our parent company, where the total effect of both operations will match the needs of the full service passenger and the budget traveler markets," he added.

Malaysia Airlines' Managing Director/CEO Mr Idris Jala, who is also the Chairman of the new airline said, "This development will compliment Malaysia Airlines' 5-year network strategy to capitalize on high growth travel regions through a more connected network. Firefly will focus on developing the northern Peninsular Malaysia routes as well as those to the neighboring regions from its base in Penang."

Firefly commences commercial operations from April 3 between Penang and the Malaysian cities of Langkawi, Kota Bahru, Kuantan and Kuala Trengganu. In addition, the airline will offer daily services between Penang and the two cities of Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand effective April 13 this year.

It started accepting bookings since March 19 with a complimentary offer of 2000 return tickets on first-come-first-served basis for travel till April 30 this year.

In addition, it is offering tickets at rates starting from as low as RM9, excluding taxes and surcharges. Tickets can be purchased from its 24-hour call centre, 03-7845 4543 and MAS' ticketing office in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, KLIA, Kota Bahru, Terengganu, Kuantan and Langkawi. Tickets will also be available on its website, www.fireflyz.com.my from mid-May this year.