Firefly starts weekly flights to Haadyai

Firefly started its four weekly services between Subang and Haadyai, Thailand, when its inaugural flight FY3614 took off with 96% passenger load yesterday. Passengers and media delegates, who boarded the 80-minute flight at 9.50am from the airport in Subang were given a warm reception by a Thai cultural group.

They were welcomed with flower garlands and gift bags by Thai authorities as they disembarked at the Haadyai International Airport. The Firefly aircraft was also given the traditional aviation industry welcome of water-spraying guard of honour.

“We have been anticipating for the launch of this new destination, as this service adds another milestone in Firefly’s regional network and strengthens our Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle agenda.

All smiles: Ong (second from right) with Firefly Captain Shahrul Affendi and crew introducing the route to passengers.

“A new destination certainly is an encouraging indication of an airline’s successful growth and that is exactly the path that we are at and in which we will continue heading towards. “The celebration of Firefly’s two other new routes between, Kota Baru-Singapore and Penang-Koh Samui just last week, further reiterates the achievement of our expansion plan which was announced earlier this year.

“As we continue to market our new routes and destination, we assure passengers of our commitment to providing top-notch service coupled with our signature warm hospitality. “A positive customer experience is a part of our brand promise and we intend to keep it,” said Firefly chief executive officer Ignatius Ong .

Firefly’s head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez said, “Malaysians are attracted to Haadyai for its extensive shopping options and a vast variety of delicious authentic Thai food.” “Haadyai is also the gateway to Satun and Trang provinces, which are popular island destinations in the southern coast of Thailand. “We expect passengers travelling from Subang to Haadyai to comprise Malaysians and members of its expatriate community in search of a quick convenient getaway.

“We also anticipate it to include in-bound tourists who choose to get a taste of Thailand while in Kuala Lumpur,” she said. “As for passengers from Haadyai, upon arrival in Subang, they will find the city airport to be strategically situated due to its close proximity to international universities, theme parks such as Sunway Lagoon, and the vibrant Kuala Lumpur City Centre, which is just 30 minutes drive away. “Resorts World Genting is also a popular attraction with this market and it is only about an hour’s drive from Subang,” she added.

In conjunction with yesterday’s inaugural flight celebrations, Firefly will be offering an all-in one way deal that starts from RM99 for this new destination. Booking period is from now to Aug 26 for travel from Aug 24 to Oct 31.

Ticket purchases can be made from Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my), mobile application, airport and city ticketing offices, call-centre and through travel agents.

-thestar online.