All Things FireFly

[Craig 0]

21 hours ago, jahur said:

Yes accommodation facilities at east coast Sabah is poor. So not sure how is the plan viable for airlines in the long run. For SDK there's only Four points reopening and Semporna its either overpriced tiny resorts at the sea or low budget homestays. No big chains 4-5 stars anywhere. 

I didn't even know that the Four Points is reopening. It was a nice hotel in Sandakan when I stayed there a while ago. Semporna islands along with the Kinabatangan river lodges/safari are the only places in Malaysia that charges per person per night with single supplement that I know of. I can sort of understand Kinabatangan since the cruises are all included in the cost of accommodation. 

If Semporna islands are charging RM300-1200 per person per night, they better be clean and sanitary, but most of the time, they aren't. There are a few resorts on the islands that I can tell they cater exclusively to the Chinese tourists (either as day trips from Semporna or overnight stays on the island), so much so that another European couple and I felt very out of place at this island. It was very different from say 10 years ago when I went there and those islands caters mostly to locals and Europeans. I can't imagine a resort that relies 90% of their revenue from one market, because if anything happens to China, they will lose significant amount of revenue.

18 hours ago, jahur said:

Going for basement fares for multiple months and then hiking up to crazy 200-500% when seats a scarce during peak season to make up for the poor seasons. Airlines are not flexible enough to redact seats and increase seats out of the blue based on demands nobody is also operating spare aircrafts nowadays.

It still goes back to how this country is promoting itself and improving the economy. At the current pace its heading even duopoly operations is not sustainable for both groups.

That's if the government allows the airline to hike 200-500% during a long weekend/festive season 😅.  People in Malaysia don't realize how subsidized our living is and any new taxes / subsidy removal / price increase will almost always end up in a call for government intervention. 

How do we promote our country? Well, we need to do damage control first. Politicians need to stop making a mountain out of a molehill on social issues like alcohol, dress code in public, concerts etc. I can't think of a single country that discusses this in parliament. And worse, even some Malaysians are confused by it and will warn tourists not to wear shorts in Langkawi or that you can't order alcohol in a restaurant or hotel for example. Europe and US are way more socially progressive than Malaysia but Middle Eastern tourists have no problem visiting those countries. Even countries like UAE/KSA is trying to portray themselves as a socially progressive country where as in reality it's not. But it's the perception that matters.

[Craig 0]

It seems like TWU-NKG is on sale (oddly enough only via certain OTA and only if you begin your journey from NKG). You can't buy the ticket if you begin your journey from TWU. Flight begins 22 JAN from TWU.

[jahur 0]

2 hours ago, Craig said:

If Semporna islands are charging RM300-1200 per person per night, they better be clean and sanitary, but most of the time, they aren't. There are a few resorts on the islands that I can tell they cater exclusively to the Chinese tourists (either as day trips from Semporna or overnight stays on the island), so much so that another European couple and I felt very out of place at this island. It was very different from say 10 years ago when I went there and those islands caters mostly to locals and Europeans. I can't imagine a resort that relies 90% of their revenue from one market, because if anything happens to China, they will lose significant amount of revenue.

That's if the government allows the airline to hike 200-500% during a long weekend/festive season 😅.  People in Malaysia don't realize how subsidized our living is and any new taxes / subsidy removal / price increase will almost always end up in a call for government intervention. 

How do we promote our country? Well, we need to do damage control first. Politicians need to stop making a mountain out of a molehill on social issues like alcohol, dress code in public, concerts etc. I can't think of a single country that discusses this in parliament. And worse, even some Malaysians are confused by it and will warn tourists not to wear shorts in Langkawi or that you can't order alcohol in a restaurant or hotel for example. Europe and US are way more socially progressive than Malaysia but Middle Eastern tourists have no problem visiting those countries. Even countries like UAE/KSA is trying to portray themselves as a socially progressive country where as in reality it's not. But it's the perception that matters.

I am more concern if they let in many flights but facilities are scarce you would see room rate hikings across. It was one of the issue langkawi faces stupidly high prices but so so offering by their resort only for them to suffer now with a tremendous low season recently. The same yoyo effect may be in for East Coast Sabah if it solely relies on mass tourism from one specific market. 

The gov's go to whenever people complains of pricey ticket is to take a rotan stick and beat up the airlines with statements like *TAMBAH FLIGHT LA APA SUSAH?*. Yea lets surplus the seats by the double to tripple but when holiday season is over where do we send the excess aircrafts? So far AAGB and MAG do not operate flexible seasonal flights and our govs ability to procure such flexible slots overseas has been abysmal. Same time allowing dodgy startups run by millionaire when we all know airlines are usually started by giant conglomerate or billionaires(still with very high failure rates) thinking the market will fix itself.

Currently i am not sure if this unity gov can steer itself independently. It has been waving the carrot sticks trying to appeal the conservatives and the other side while doing poor populist moves that irked either side no matter what it does and its pretty much all in vain.

Edited November 26, 2023 by jahur

[BC Tam 2]

2 hours ago, Craig said:

It seems like TWU-NKG is on sale (oddly enough only via certain OTA and only if you begin your journey from NKG). You can't buy the ticket if you begin your journey from TWU. Flight begins 22 JAN from TWU.

Meaning the TWU-NKG leg on 22 Jan will most likely be an empty ferry flight ?! 😄

[BC Tam 2]

3 hours ago, Craig said:

Semporna islands along with the Kinabatangan river lodges/safari are the only places in Malaysia that charges per person per night with single supplement that I know of...

Are those rates inclusive of meals ? Cannot imagine staying at one of those isolated above the sea places and having to go searching for breakfast, lunch and dinner 😆

[Craig 0]

22 hours ago, jahur said:

So far AAGB and MAG do not operate flexible seasonal flights and our govs ability to procure such flexible slots overseas has been abysmal. Same time allowing dodgy startups run by millionaire when we all know airlines are usually started by giant conglomerate or billionaires(still with very high failure rates) thinking the market will fix itself.

Currently i am not sure if this unity gov can steer itself independently. It has been waving the carrot sticks trying to appeal the conservatives and the other side while doing poor populist moves that irked either side no matter what it does and its pretty much all in vain.

Most people aren't aware that Langkawi, like Phuket, has a distinct high and low season. December to February/March room rates at both are ridiculously high and then falls off a cliff after. 

I am curious what countries/airports slots did the government fail to negotiate with their counterparts (whether permanent or seasonal). Or in some cases, a better timed slot (HND comes to mind).

I don't know what the current government wants. In most countries, governing with a 2/3 majority is unthinkable but yet this government wants to pander even more to the conservatives and end up pissing everyone off. They have to realize very soon that no matter how much you pander to them, you aren't them.

20 hours ago, BC Tam said:

Are those rates inclusive of meals ? Cannot imagine staying at one of those isolated above the sea places and having to go searching for breakfast, lunch and dinner 😆

Yes lol. And in some resorts, inclusive of island hopping tour (obviously those cost a bit more). Depends on the island resort you choose - some include unlimited snorkeling and diving at house reef but some are like Air Asia where you have to pay even for water (very cheap room rates of course) 🤣

In Kinabatangan, they are mostly inclusive of all meals and in some resorts, river cruise (dawn and dusk) as well. I think Deramakot, Tabin, and Danum are all less touristy than Kinabatangan and each offer something different (whether you want a river cruise, hiking safari, or a jeep safari). 

[flee 5]

43 minutes ago, Craig said:

Most people aren't aware that Langkawi, like Phuket, has a distinct high and low season. December to February/March room rates at both are ridiculously high and then falls off a cliff after. 

I am curious what countries/airports slots did the government fail to negotiate with their counterparts (whether permanent or seasonal). Or in some cases, a better timed slot (HND comes to mind).

I don't know what the current government wants. In most countries, governing with a 2/3 majority is unthinkable but yet this government wants to pander even more to the conservatives and end up pissing everyone off. They have to realize very soon that no matter how much you pander to them, you aren't them.

I think that the peak travel season for those islands would coincide with the northern winter - Phuket (and Phu Quoc) is very popular with Russians seeking winter sun.

Slots in HND are awarded by the Japanese govt. and there isn't much airlines can do if they are awarded poor time slots. Daytime slots are impossible as the priority is given to Japanese airlines.

A famous former PM has said that you cannot please a certain group of voters all the time but giving them some of their demands means that the various groups in this country can be kept happy. This unity government apparently does not remember this advice.

 

[Craig 0]

9 hours ago, flee said:

Slots in HND are awarded by the Japanese govt. and there isn't much airlines can do if they are awarded poor time slots. Daytime slots are impossible as the priority is given to Japanese airlines.

HND slots are awarded by Japan MOT (or their equivalent). But the cherry from the Japanese government is HND's daytime slot. Those daytime slots were done through government to government negotiations. HND daytime slots are awarded in pair - one for a Japanese carrier to fly to that recipient country and one slot for the recipient's airline to HND. I can't imagine Japanese carriers lobbying for their government to allow them to fly to IST or CPH/ARN from ARN. Even the Swiss government couldn't wrestle one for LX.

And you can clearly see some airlines just holding on to their daytime slots (06:00-21:59). Like VA's 21:55 HND-CNS. Or some US bound flights that depart at 21:45-21:50.

[flee 5]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

HND slots are awarded by Japan MOT (or their equivalent). But the cherry from the Japanese government is HND's daytime slot. Those daytime slots were done through government to government negotiations. HND daytime slots are awarded in pair - one for a Japanese carrier to fly to that recipient country and one slot for the recipient's airline to HND. I can't imagine Japanese carriers lobbying for their government to allow them to fly to IST or CPH/ARN from ARN. Even the Swiss government couldn't wrestle one for LX.

And you can clearly see some airlines just holding on to their daytime slots (06:00-21:59). Like VA's 21:55 HND-CNS. Or some US bound flights that depart at 21:45-21:50.

Yes, unfortunately that is the present situation - airlines can't do as they like as they are constrained by government. We all look forward to new awards but Malaysia is very low down the list of priority for the Japanese authorities.

[Craig 0]

FY filed for PEN-HAN 7x weekly services to begin Feb. 2024. Odd that they chose HAN over SGN for their Vietnam market.

Edited December 17, 2023 by Craig

[Tom/PER 0]

I was doing some research on YouTube for some upcoming flights and was surprised to see that -MLF and -MLH have been reconfigured and now feature the new slimline seats as found on -MLJ. 
 

Does anyone know if -MLG and -MLI have also been done? 

[flee 5]

I wonder if MAG is reviewing the future of their turboprop operations in SZB and if they will order replacements for the rapidly aging ATRs.

[jahur 0]

3 hours ago, flee said:

I wonder if MAG is reviewing the future of their turboprop operations in SZB and if they will order replacements for the rapidly aging ATRs.

Doubt they'll replace them. SZB is transitioning to jet, MAG also received the get go instruction by gov. This was also the reason why OD is also backing out.

Firefly ATR's final days are probably 2-3years away. For SZB its down to berjaya air leisure island fleet. East Msia maswings operations is still uncertain if post state sarawak takeover that they would commit to the newer ATR72-600 which was recently pitched by the manufacturer in 2022 and again in 2023.

[BC Tam 2]

3 hours ago, jahur said:

... East Msia maswings operations is still uncertain if post state sarawak takeover that they would commit to the newer ATR72-600 which was recently pitched by the manufacturer in 2022 and again in 2023.

Would be heck of a farce if they go that route (as if there is a viable alternative 😉) - having 'upgraded' to the -600 during that brief period years ago, then abandoning the fleet for goodness know what reason and reverting back to the old -500's. And now to 'commit' to the -600 again ?! 😁

[jahur 0]

2 minutes ago, BC Tam said:

Would be heck of a farce if they go that route (as if there is a viable alternative 😉) - having 'upgraded' to the -600 during that brief period years ago, then abandoning the fleet for goodness know what reason and reverting back to the old -500's. And now to 'commit' to the -600 again ?! 😁

The old shortlived 600 series were stuff that the federal ministry of transport and state never agreed with MAS. They intended to use the 500 series for at least 30 years until it rots just like the old aerotrains. Not helping they believed they can open up the RAS by stages and allow commercial operations instead except the topography and population buying power does not support so.

Pre Sarawak takeover the MOT plans to only have the DHC viking subsidies with all atr ops to be delisted from RAS by 2025. Believe it was one of the reasons Sarawak ended up pushing for a takeover instead and the federal ended up uturn and say subsidies is to be retained lol.  

[Michael Chai 0]

On 12/18/2023 at 6:09 PM, Tom/PER said:

I was doing some research on YouTube for some upcoming flights and was surprised to see that -MLF and -MLH have been reconfigured and now feature the new slimline seats as found on -MLJ. 
 

Does anyone know if -MLG and -MLI have also been done? 

Currently MLG is the only aircraft with the old seats. MLI has reconfigured for new seats as well as its modified sky lighting in the cabin.

 

[jahur 0]

Pretty much the fleet is still operating at knife's at neck. Only cushioning is 9M-FFF's entry which has been delayed and still no timeline on when this can be done. MLK MLL are also earmarked but with no concrete timeline entry this 3 months.

[Craig 0]

Firefly adds more MH codeshare routes from KUL. I am curious about this - FY doesn't serve KUL and they aren't a connecting carrier (I don't believe they have a through checkin service) and you don't get any OneWorld benefits on a FY code and you can only credit your miles to Enrich. So why 😅

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

Firefly adds more MH codeshare routes from KUL. I am curious about this - FY doesn't serve KUL and they aren't a connecting carrier (I don't believe they have a through checkin service) and you don't get any OneWorld benefits on a FY code and you can only credit your miles to Enrich. So why 😅

MAG's aim is to operate Firefly in silo, because there are many certifications and procedures that FY is currently lacking and MAG does not want to spend or reluctant to spend money on attaining the across the board certification, cause you need the recruit new/ qualified personnel for those, new equipment kits etc. If they were to sell FY/MH together as connecting partner/OW partner, customers would expect comprehensive services vv. Will create a mess (a good/bad mess, depending on each individual point of view). Sounds like early SQ/MI days, the weird thing is SQ closed down MI, CX closed down KA, MH went against the mainstream. LOL!

I believe MAG has a greater plan for FY to establish BKI as another hub for East Asian routes, fighting with AK on this front, and as the jet operation takes off in SZB, they will leave turboprop operation, leaving on PEN and BKI as jet hubs. MH will eventually return to SZB, if the plan ever materialized. 

[jahur 0]

Tawau-Nanjing is confirmed in late January. Though am not sure how they will utilize the aircraft as they are still on 5 frames only. 1 breakdown the whole network is in deep s#1t.

[Robert 0]

5 hours ago, JuliusWong said:

MAG's aim is to operate Firefly in silo, because there are many certifications and procedures that FY is currently lacking and MAG does not want to spend or reluctant to spend money on attaining the across the board certification, cause you need the recruit new/ qualified personnel for those, new equipment kits etc. If they were to sell FY/MH together as connecting partner/OW partner, customers would expect comprehensive services vv. Will create a mess (a good/bad mess, depending on each individual point of view). Sounds like early SQ/MI days, the weird thing is SQ closed down MI, CX closed down KA, MH went against the mainstream. LOL!

I believe MAG has a greater plan for FY to establish BKI as another hub for East Asian routes, fighting with AK on this front, and as the jet operation takes off in SZB, they will leave turboprop operation, leaving on PEN and BKI as jet hubs. MH will eventually return to SZB, if the plan ever materialized. 

Sometimes I don't get the logic. 
I often find the fares to/from Changi on MH codeshares have 30-50% cheaper than MH. 
Apart from price the only difference for me is the ticketed beginning 918xxxx, lower luggage, no seat selection until checkin, a manual enrich point claim and.... you seem to get 3 elite points in Y compared to 1 on MH.
 

Enrich is another topic lol 

[Chris Tan 0]

9 hours ago, JuliusWong said:

MAG's aim is to operate Firefly in silo, because there are many certifications and procedures that FY is currently lacking and MAG does not want to spend or reluctant to spend money on attaining the across the board certification, cause you need the recruit new/ qualified personnel for those, new equipment kits etc. If they were to sell FY/MH together as connecting partner/OW partner, customers would expect comprehensive services vv. Will create a mess (a good/bad mess, depending on each individual point of view). Sounds like early SQ/MI days, the weird thing is SQ closed down MI, CX closed down KA, MH went against the mainstream. LOL!

I believe MAG has a greater plan for FY to establish BKI as another hub for East Asian routes, fighting with AK on this front, and as the jet operation takes off in SZB, they will leave turboprop operation, leaving on PEN and BKI as jet hubs. MH will eventually return to SZB, if the plan ever materialized. 

Not sure what the mess would be. 3K is fairly integrated with QF and has interline agreements with OALs without being a OW affiliate.

Also, comparing FY to KA/MI is just strange. Those two were full service regional arms of the respective parent carriers. FY is much closer to TR, albeit without the connectivity that the latter offers to SQ.

3 hours ago, Robert said:

Sometimes I don't get the logic. 
I often find the fares to/from Changi on MH codeshares have 30-50% cheaper than MH. 
Apart from price the only difference for me is the ticketed beginning 918xxxx, lower luggage, no seat selection until checkin, a manual enrich point claim and.... you seem to get 3 elite points in Y compared to 1 on MH.
 

Enrich is another topic lol 

Me neither, but I do know an FY code isn't good for OW benefits. Unless you're booked on MH628/606 which doesn't overlap with QR/QF lounge hours.

[flee 5]

On 12/27/2023 at 11:05 AM, JuliusWong said:

MAG's aim is to operate Firefly in silo, because there are many certifications and procedures that FY is currently lacking and MAG does not want to spend or reluctant to spend money on attaining the across the board certification, cause you need the recruit new/ qualified personnel for those, new equipment kits etc. If they were to sell FY/MH together as connecting partner/OW partner, customers would expect comprehensive services vv. Will create a mess (a good/bad mess, depending on each individual point of view). Sounds like early SQ/MI days, the weird thing is SQ closed down MI, CX closed down KA, MH went against the mainstream. LOL!

I believe MAG has a greater plan for FY to establish BKI as another hub for East Asian routes, fighting with AK on this front, and as the jet operation takes off in SZB, they will leave turboprop operation, leaving on PEN and BKI as jet hubs. MH will eventually return to SZB, if the plan ever materialized. 

I think KA and MI are full fledged carriers targeted at leisure traffic. This niche is being taken over by LCCs - so they are redundant. As both airlines have LCC counterparts, it only makes sense not to cannibalise their business.

[Craig 0]

FY applied for 3x weekly BKI-PVG and another 7x weekly PEN-BKK (making it double daily PEN-BKK). Will FY have enough 737s for this operation by May? It's going to get quite crowded for PEN-BKK with 2-3x FD, 1x TG, 1x SL, and 2x daily FY.

Edited March 12 by Craig

[Robert 0]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

FY applied for 3x weekly BKI-PVG and another 7x weekly PEN-BKK (making it double daily PEN-BKK). Will FY have enough 737s for this operation by May? It's going to get quite crowded for PEN-BKK with 2-3x FD, 1x TG, 1x SL, and 2x daily FY.

Was looking at this earlier and was wondering why BKK was on there because they are already flying. After a while I realised that the existing flights are to DMK haha. 
Wonder if DMK will get stopped?
Operating both locations is feasible because Scoot operate to both