By V. Sivaji
It was a historic day for Firefly Airlines as they launched their direct flights via their brand new Boeing 737-800 to Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching from the Penang International Airport (PIA) Regional Hub.
The event was more meaningful as the occasion also marks the 15th anniversary of Firefly Airlines.
On hand to greet the passengers was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with Captain Izham Ismail, Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive officer, CEO of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Philip See (CEO Firefly), chief executive officer of Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Ooi Chok Yan, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, (MOTAC) Penang Director, Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau(PCEB CEO), Ashwin Gunasekeran and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Deputy Director, Siti Hajar Yunus.
Lending support was Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak and Hii Chang Kee, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Also present was Penang MAH Chapter chairman Tony Goh and Ch’ng Huck Theng (ATAP).
Earlier this morning, Firefly Airlines also welcomed another new Boeing 737 plane coming from Johor Bahru.
With promotional rates from RM69 onwards, the new routes will surely be welcomed by both local and foreign travelers and holiday makers.
“It is a special day for us because it is also our 15th anniversary celebration for Firefly Airlines. Looking back we started with Fokker planes and now have upgraded to 189 seater Boeing 737-800 planes.
“I also would like to thank the Penang State government, PGT and PCEB for all their support to make this possible and not forgetting Firefly Airlines staff themselves,” said See.
Meanwhile, Captain Izham added that they will start with three 737 planes for now and expect to expand to 10 planes by another two to three years.
“This move will surely spur economic development, tourism and also promote the hospitality industry,” said Captain Isham.
Yeoh added that from April 1, 2022 with the reopening of international borders, some 13,000 local travellers and another 4,800 international travellers have used PIA.
For some general information, the Firefly Airline Boeing 737-800 series plane takes 10 days and 20 people to paint the new livery.
