reyneo 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 FireFly likely to use Sepang LCCT By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/01/29 Firefly is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of the terminal in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is contemplating using the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out. And the likely user of the budget terminal will be the national carrier's wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd. Business Times has learnt that Firefly, which currently operates turbo-propeller planes from its Subang and Penang hubs, is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of LCCT. "Firefly could use the Boeing 737-800 jets, which MAS is set to take delivery this year, to operate from LCCT," an aviation expert said. "This will enable Firefly to fill in the gap left by AirAsia (if they move out), while providing convenience to passengers once Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd carries out plans to improve connectivity between the LCCT and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal." Firely is set to continue to operate from Subang's Terminal 3 with its ATR 72-500 turbo-prop planes, while it has the option to use the jets for routes which it cannot operate viably with the ATRs. "With the jets, new regional routes like China, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Indonesia can be introduced from the LCCT," the source said. However, these are to secondary airports in these countries and not to main airports now served by MAS. FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong, when contacted, declined comment. It is learnt that Firefly will remain profitable if it uses the 737-800 planes by offering a two-class service, which includes more premium and higher-yield passengers. This compares to the current single-class service offered by AirAsia on its Airbus planes. Besides AirAsia, the LCCT is currently used by other carriers like Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways. I'm not sure where Biz times gets its 'source' from, but since no names came up, I doubt its credibility somewhat... In any case, if, and that is IF, this does happen, with the exception of the terminal use and names, if things at MH remain as they are, then I fail to see how different firefly will be from MAS... they both serve food/drinks for free (MAS has Snake boxes and FY has Muffins and Juice) they both have Y and J classes they (currently, both) have no IFE (for short haul flights) they (will) both use 737s... (MH may still end up with some 734s, if FY takes some of its 738) Although if this does go through, it could allow MAS to 'upgrade' itself back up to become SQ/CX's standards while letting FY compete with AK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd. Helmi 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 I think it would be nice to also see Firefly's ATRs at KLIA. Any props would be nice... In my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan B. 5 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) This could be just speculation passed off as 'fact'. Must be a slow news day. Edited January 29, 2009 by Alan B. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nabiel Haniff 1 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Seems like Garuda Citylink subsidiary by Garuda Indonesia and Jetstar subsidiary by Qantas. :D Then,MH with FY! Great2 :good: Edited January 29, 2009 by Nabiel Haniff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aiman 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Interesting news.. been heard from insider.but just light wind of rumors.. after reading this article..I guess wind is getting stronger diverting ATR/Boeing's to Lcct.. support with Labu-labi story...they might interested with the Old Lcct.. just my opinion... only Eddy Leong Knows.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kenneth T 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 I think Firefly should concentrate on the ATR 72 and the routes they know best ..MH should operate the B738 efficiently. It makes no different if both companies which is under the group are operating similar aircraft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KK Lee 5 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 If MH 738 is assigned to FY, will keep AK on its toes. Competition benefits consumers, the more the merrier Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mohd sukri abd hamid 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Firefly can order 737-800...and operated from LCCT..kick out Airasia to KLIA East..hehe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nabiel Haniff 1 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Firefly can order 737-800...and operated from LCCT..kick out Airasia to KLIA East..hehe yeah.Kick them out from LCCT.. haha.. In my personal opinion,the passengers will use firefly more than airasia. Malaysia will have a new contrast colour airlines Edited January 29, 2009 by Nabiel Haniff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessnor Arif 1 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) they (will) both use 737s... (MH may still end up with some 734s, if FY takes some of its 738) Probably MH can exercise their 20 B738 option as part from MH deal with Boeing for FY. If AK move out from KLIA and operates in "AK only Labu Airport" then FY move into KLIA. AK will lose a significant market shares plus a burden of managing an Airport. If the KLIA LCCT is directly in front of MTB, This could be a death spell to the AK as FY with their interlining agreement with MH plus being at KLIA, FY can catch bigger international transiting passengers. And yeah: If ERL is to be connected to KLIA LCCT I rather doubt it, it will prolonged to the East. Edited January 29, 2009 by Jessnor Arif Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 An even better scenario would be if FY took all MH's narrowbodies and let MH concentrate solely on widebodies, for higher yielding destionations. Much like SQ and Silkair. I don't see why MH would let Firefly use the new 738's though. At best I see FY taking MH's old 734 and perhaps reconfiguring it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Radzi 2 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 A lot of ifs for this assumption, so I don't expect to see this in the near future. Anyway it is not practical for FY to operate from the current LCCT; unlike AK, FY would want connectivity with the MH traffic so if they ever operate jets they will operate from the same terminal as MH. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan F. 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 This is just a warning by MAS/Firefly to TF and keeping him on his toes!! A sort of 'are you really sure you want to set-up Labu' message, because if you do, we are right in there behind you (and probably before the seats go cold!!). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MOHD RAMZAN FADZIL 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 What a beautiful aircraft if Firefly using 737-800..Come on firefly..you're welcome in a new era competition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Izanee 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 hahahaha.....nice one. Just keep the pressure on TF. I think MH/FY system just like SQ/MI might work out well for them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
