FIREFLY TARGETS 3 MLN PASSENGERS IN 2011 WITH NEW AIRCRAFT

From Nurul Jannah Kamaruddin

KUCHING, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's community airline, Firefly,has
target to fly three million passengers this year with the introduction of the
Boeing 737-800 fleet, together with an increase in the ATR aircraft to 10.

Its head of Marketing and Communications, Angelina Corrina Fernandez said
last year, the airline flew 1.35 million passengers on its nine ATR aircraft.

The airline Saturday inaugurated the 737-800 flights to Kuching and Kota
Kinabalu from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as part of its growth
programme in East Malaysia.

"We have seen steady growth on both these routes and are confident the
target is achievable.

"From the three million passenger targeted, we expect to fly at least 50
per cent, with our 737-800 aircraft to both destinations," she told reporters at
the launch Saturday.

Angelina said Firefly planned to have seven 737-800 aircraft this year and
30 by 2015.

By the end of this month, it is expected to receive one ATR aircraft and
plans to add another four by 2012.

"Firefly is ready and eager to give the mass market a taste of its
hospitality.

"Now, with the introduction of the new fleet of 737-800 aircraft, we are
able to fly further, thus, allowing us to expand the network to East Malaysia,"
she added.

Currently, Firefly offers two daily flights on both routes and will add two
more from Jan 24 onwards.

Angelina said Firefly customers will also able to enjoy the same level of
bookings convenience as well as superior level of comfort at low fares on the
737-800 aircraft.

"By having the lowest operating cost compared with other airlines, we are
able to offer such an incredible value.

"This is also achieved by leveraging on our parent company, Malaysia
Airlines'(MAS) experience, infrastructure and core services such as ground
operations and maintenance, repair and overhaul.

"The financial strength and credit facilities enjoyed by MAS also brings
benefits to Firefly," she explained.

She said all the savings in operating costs derived from the benefits are
passed back directly to the customer in the form of the lowest fares.

According to Angelina, Firefly, also plans to recruit another five airport
ticketing officers to support the expansion plan.

-- BERNAMA