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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is set to see a significant increase in tourist arrivals with Firefly’s direct flights from Penang to here, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

The flights are part of the reinstatement of Firefly’s jet operations from its Penang Hub. Effective April 11, Firefly will operate its Boeing 737-800s from Penang to Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, offering comfort and convenience for passengers travelling to and from major cities in Malaysia. Jafry, on behalf of the State Government, thanked Firefly for choosing Kota Kinabalu as one of its routes and hoped the cooperation between them could be strengthened, which would further boost the State’s tourism industry.

“This new route will facilitate the accessibility of the people and tourists,” he said after welcoming passengers of the inaugural Firefly Penang-Kota Kinabalu flight at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), here, Monday.

“I welcome travellers to Sabah to explore the State’s exciting spots and experience its diverse cultures.

“The Ministry will always cooperate with airlines and we welcome direct flights to Kota Kinabalu.”

Meanwhile, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) on Monday marked another significant milestone in its path to spur air travel and domestic tourism recovery with the resumption of Firefly’s jet operations from its Penang Hub. This comes at an apt time as Firefly rings in its 15th anniversary since it first started operations in April 2007, as well as the recent reopening of Malaysia’s borders – signifying growth that will further strengthen the airline’s services and offerings for all its guests. Firefly’s reinstatement was commemorated with a send-off event at Penang International Airport by Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Chester Voo, MAG Group Chief Executive Officer Captain Izham Ismail and Firefly Chief Executive Officer Philip See, among others. The inaugural flights were welcomed with a water cannon salute at all the respective arrival airports and passengers were given souvenirs to commemorate the event. At KKIA, travellers were welcomed by Jafry, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, MASwings Chief Operating Officer cum MAG representative Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman, among others.

Nasaruddin disclosed that the advanced bookings for the Penang-Kota Kinabalu flights are “very promising and encouraging.”

“We have about 80 per cent load factor for our advanced bookings, mostly during festive seasons and holidays,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Izham said Firefly, together with its sister airlines Malaysia Airlines, MASwings and AMAL, will continue to play its active role as carriers of the nation, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its passengers as we welcome them back to experience Malaysia and reconnect with loved ones once again. “As a Group, we look forward to the upcoming months as we continue to reinstate our pre-Covid operations and introduce new, exciting markets for passengers to Fly Malaysia and beyond.” See said they are delighted that Firefly resumes its jet operations at a crucial time and simultaneously begins servicing new routes that will significantly benefit connectivity for tourists and communities. “This also marks our 15th year of operations, where we have since strengthened our foothold as a pioneer in short-haul flights within the region, offering convenience and comfort to all. “The airline will continue to expand its connectivity within Asean, offering value bundle packages beyond convenience and regions.” The airline will run two-time daily return flights from Penang to Johor Baru and one-time daily return flights from Penang to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu respectively. Beginning April 25, these frequencies will be increased to three times daily from Penang to Johor Baru and two times daily from Penang to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, respectively. To elevate the experience beyond convenience, Firefly has introduced its new value bundle services where customers can tailor-make their travel needs and get 50 per cent off its new value bundle offers from its Plus, Extra or Flex fares and enjoy its feature such as 20-kilogramme baggage allowance, in-flight hot meals, 2X flight changes, priority baggage, boarding and check-in, all seat selection, travel insurance and many more value for money benefits. With Malaysia’s border reopened, MAG looks to reinstate further flights that have been temporarily suspended and increase frequency to key markets. For more information on products and services, download Firefly’s mobile app or visit www.fireflyz.com.my.