FY Inaugural KUL-SBW flight (Pics)

[Tamizi TS]

Yesterday (1/07) my hometown airport (SBW/WBGS) welcomes the latest operator to operate flights to SBW,which is Firefly Airlines (FY).

Below are the press release by FY Media & PR Dept (I've secured a copy too,as i was also attending the inaugural ceremony)

Firefly commences twice daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu today

1 July 2011

SIBU - Firefly, Your Community Airline, celebrated its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Sibu Airport today. FY 660 took off at 7.30 am, with a load factor of 72 per cent, and arrived in Sibu at 9.15am. The average load factor of the first Kuala Lumpur – Sibu inaugural flight was 83 per cent.

Upon arrival, Firefly passengers were given a grand reception by way of a traditional Sarawakian greeting led by Sarawak Tourism Board’s CEO, Datuk Rashid Khan and Firefly’s Managing Director, Dato’ Eddy Leong.

Datuk Lau Nai Hoh, President of the United Chinese Association Sibu division and his delegation of 30 members were also at the airport greeting this special group of passengers. They, in turn, took Firefly’s turnaround flight at 9.45am from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur.

Leong said: “The commencement of Firefly’s twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu signifies our commitment in providing direct air access via linking our nation’s capital with the central region of Sarawak. The objective is to offer travel convenience between East and West Malaysia and to provide easy domestic connectivity to foreigners visiting Malaysia.”

Leong further reiterated: “Firefly’s code share with Malaysia Airlines is an added value that strengthens our position in East Malaysia and also other routes. It allows passengers to purchase Firefly tickets from any Malaysian Airlines ticketing office worldwide. This is especially convenient for overseas travellers who wish to make onward connections and visit destinations serviced by Firefly”.

Firefly is also investing in a system upgrade which will enable the airline to offer interlining facilities with Malaysia Airlines for passenger and baggage check through to their final destination. This will commence on 1 September 2011.

Firefly takes over the Kuala Lumpur – Sibu flight from Malaysia Airlines which will withdraw on August 1. Leong said: “Seasonal travellers on Kuala Lumpur – Sibu route will be happy to note that they will continue to enjoy the same benefits they were used to on Malaysia Airlines as we will continue to offer premium facilities such as aerobridges for their comfort and safety and we operate this route out of a world renown award-winning airport.

Sibu represents Firefly’s second destination in Sarawak, after Kuching. Firefly is currently offering two daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu. The flights depart KLIA at 7.20am and 6.40pm and from Sibu at 9.45am and 9.05pm respectively.

Currently, Firefly also offers seven daily return flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching and twice daily return flights from Johor Bahru to Kuching.

Today’s event also witnessed the official opening of Firefly’s latest Airport Ticketing Office that has been open to the public since June 1. Leong said: “This is in line with our effort to ensure Firefly’s guaranteed low fares are readily available to all. Firefly has enhanced its distribution channels by establishing more conveniently situated airport and city ticketing offices.”

He reiterated the benefits of flying with Firefly whereby passengers will enjoy incredible value with low fares, offering savings of up to 30 per cent with its seamless holistic approach. Firefly’s customers will be able to enjoy a superior level of booking convenience, comfort and service at low fares on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These low fares signify the company’s commitment to better serve the community and provide discerning travellers greater choice and incredible value for money.

Firefly offers an introductory promotional all-inclusive one way fare at RM 29.00 nett. The fares are already available for booking from now until July 3 for travel between 12 July to 21 October 2011.

At the same time, for travel from 12 January 2012 to 24 March 2012, Firefly is offering fares from as low as RM18. For booking details, please visit Firefly - Your Community Airline

Firefly and Sarawak Tourism Board jointly hosted a three day familiarization trip for the press from Kuala Lumpur to further promote Sibu as the latest Firefly destination.

And below are the flight schedule (for July 1st-31st,2011)

FLIGHT SCHEDULE


Kuala Lumpur – Sibu/ Sibu – Kuala Lumpur
Effective 1 July 2011
Flight No Route Departure Arrival Flight Time
FY 660 KUL/ SBW 07:20 09:15 1 hours 55 min
FY 664 KUL/ SBW 18:40 20:35 1 hours 55 min
FY 661 SBW/ KUL 09:45 11:35 1 hours 50 min
FY 665 SBW/ KUL 21:05 22:55 1 hours 50 min

Here's the photo of the inaugural flight:

















Aircraft was 9M-FFD (B737-85F),previously operated by SA as ZS-SJI.

Thanks for viewing!