Firefly opens latest sales counter in KLIA offering lowest fares.

Background on Firefly

Firefly began its operations in 2007 and operates a fleet of seven ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft, which in 2011 will increase to a total of 10 aircraft. It currently flies to 19 cities and operates 24 routes within Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

Firefly recently announced the next chapter of its growth with the introduction of its jet aircraft operations with a new fleet of Boeing 737-800 which will operate from the Main Terminal Building of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) starting Jan 2011.

Firefly won the “2010 Frost & Sullivan Value Airline of the Year” award and recently the “Green Initiative of the Year 2010” award by Leaders in Aviation Award in conjunction with the Doha Aviation Summit 2010.

Firefly is found to be the first company in Malaysia and the second airline in the world to have a page on Foursquare, the location-based social network that enables travellers to discover useful travel tips near their airports or destinations. For more interesting facts and tips, visit http://foursquare.com/flyfirefly to meet up with friends, discover new places and unlock rewards as you travel. Firefly also connects with the community via Facebook, Twitter & Blog.

Firefly's first customer at its Airport Ticketing Office in KLIA.From Left:Angelina Corrina Fernandez,Firefly head or Marketing & Communications and Pn.Hamidah. To-day  04/01/2010.

Sepang: Firefly, Your Community Airline, unveiled its latest airport ticketing counter at the Main Terminal Building of KL International Airport to better serve and offer greater convenience to passengers.

To celebrate the occasion, Dato’ Eddy Leong performed a symbolic flag-raising to mark Firefly’s presence in KLIA and this was witnessed by Dato’ Azmi Murad, Senior General Manager, Operations Services of Malaysia Airports.

According to Firefly’s Managing Director, Dato’ Eddy Leong, opening a ticketing counter at KLIA was a natural progression from the decision to base its new Boeing 737-800 operations at the award-winning airport. “Firefly’s operations in KLIA will focus on offering unbeatable value at lowest fares. We will beat our competitors hands down with our low fares.

“This is made possible with our decision to use the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a capacity of 189 seats, which has allowed us to achieve one of the lowest cost of available seat per kilometre (CASK) among our competitors. We also have the advantage of leveraging on our parent company Malaysia Airlines’ infrastructure such as maintenance engineers and ground handling operations to keep costs low.

“The value passengers get in return besides low fares is also a pleasant experience and comforts such as aerobridge services and the convenience of an Express Rail Service – that we’re offering these benefits at fares as low as ours is indicative of our commitment to deliver value to our passengers. You don’t have to cross the tarmac under the hot sun to board our planes.”

Firefly will begin its operations on January 15, 2011 from the Main Terminal Building of KLIA to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu twice daily, and from January 24, 2011, four times daily and three times daily respectively. One of the key features of the B737-800 operations is that passengers can enjoy even greater savings with the Standard and Premium sets of services that let passengers buy several add-on services at low prices.

For example, the Standard set comprises an in-flight-meal, bottle of mineral water, 15+5kg of checked baggage allowance and Preferred Seat selection, and costs RM38 only, which is 40 percent lower than if the add-on services were bought individually.

Dato’ Azmi Murad said: “Malaysia Airports is pleased with Firefly’s decision to base its Jets operations at the Main Terminal Building, KLIA which will contribute to the growth of KLIA as a transit hub and enhance the connectivity offered. We look forward to working with Firefly to further improve the passenger traffic and bring in more tourists as it’s one of the key drivers of the Malaysian economy.”

 

 

Located within the departure hall, opposite Check-in Island C to D, Firefly’s new airport ticketing counter opens from 8.30am to 5.30pm and, sells tickets to all Firefly routes, add-on products such as in-flight meals, check-in baggage allowances and Standard and Premium sets of services. The opening hours will be revised to 5.30am to 10pm from 15 January 2011 onwards.

To date, Firefly has 21 airport ticketing offices and projects to open another six airport ticketing offices in 2011. The latest all-in fare promotion for the East Malaysian routes is RM59 one way for the travel period of 17 January to 15 May, 2011. Booking period will end on 16 January, 2011.

For more information visit Firfly's  online booking:Firefly Airline

AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.

Although successful in revenge against Malaysia at home but Indonesia collapsed in all their struggles to win the championship at the Bung Karno  Stadium .Malaysia or better know as Harimau Malaya (Malayan Tiger) are playing in a good formation and spirit to ensure that the AFF Suzuki Cup residing in Malaysia.Although we lost 2-1 to-night in the hand of Indonesia,but we beat them 4-2 on aggregate.Cheers of more than 70 thousand people of Indonesia could not dampen our spirit

Although there is a cynical tone that says that no state football squad will have an easy passage for the healer, shaman, medicine man and the paranormal Indonesia has deployed  at Bung Karno Stadium, but the mental strength of stronger players to deflect all the speculation. Now all the waiting has ended. AFF Cup has become ours. Young people of Malaysia has shown that the country also has a great football talent that can compete with other teams in Southeast Asia.

CONGRATULATION to MALAYSIA..........:)

Christmas Cheer at Firefly's new airport ticketing office in Kuching.

 

In the spirit of Christmas,FIREFLY AIRLINE and in conjunction with the launching of the new airport ticketing office in Kuching had its Christmas treat event with Rumah Kanak-kanak Kuching at Firefly ATO level3,Departure Hall Kuching International Airport.Being a blogger and freelance photojournalist I am very glad that i was invited to join the event.

 

Press Release.

In the spirit of Christmas,Firefly's ,Your Community Airline invited 30 children from Rumah Kanak-Kanak for a Christmas treat with Santa Claus held in conjunction with the opening of its Airport Ticketing Office(ATO) at Kuching International Airport today.

The Children arrived with full of excitement and joy for the event,They were greeted by Santa Claus and Firefly's Station Manager of Kuching,who then handed out Christmas presents from Firefly Sdn Bhd and also personal contribution of its staff.The atmosphere at the Firefly's ATO was cheerful and joyous.The children were then tucked into a festival lunch.

Firefly's Head of Marketing & Communication,Ms Angelina Corrina Fernandez said,'Firefly,being a Community Airline believes that it is our duty to serve the Community in Kuching,hence the physical ticketing facility at the airport.We believe that it will further enhance travelling opportunity and simultaneously would further generate encouraging rate of sales and recognition of our route Kuching route.This is to serve both,the local community as well as international travellers on business or leisure".

The presence of ticketing office in Sarawak and Sabah is integral to Firefly's aim to better serve its East Malaysia customers,especially those who do not have access to stable internet connection or,posses a credit or debit card.

Conveniently situated just within the doors of the departure hall,the airport ticketing office spots firefly's bright cheery corporate colours.In addition to selling tickets,merchandise and add-on products and services such as in-flight meals or Standard and Premium set of services,friendly and efficient Firefly staff are also ready to help passengers change their flight details,re-print flight itineraries and answer queries on our route ,frequencies,service and destinations.

Firefly will begin its operation on January 15,2011 from the main Terminal Building of KLIA to KUCHING and KOTA KINABALU twice daily,and from January 24,2011,four times daily and three times daily respectively.The latest all-in fare promotion is RM59 one way for travel period of 5 January to 31 March,2011.Booking period will end on 31December,2010.

To reach Firefly's airport ticketing office in Kuching call +6 082 463055 or visit

fireflyz.com.my for booking or ticket detail.

 

 

The Children were happy to see and meet the special appearance of Firefly Airline Santa Claus.

Note: The kid identity have been concealed in the interest of privacy.

Santa ,The Station Manager and staff of firefly airline  giving out Christmas gift to children from Rumah Kanak-kanak (Children Home).

The Firefly Airline staff and the Santa Claus bring hope to the Children of Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kuching.

Thank You firefly airline for not only invitation but also many great opportunity for me to write about firefly through out the coming year 2011.We also have mini press conference (Q&A) lunch with Children,Firefly Airline Staff & Santa.

Your Community Airline .

 

Firefly Airline our community airline has become the first company in Malaysia and the second airline in the world to take a page on Foursquare.....

Want to know what is 4Square go to FOURSQUARE

I went to Kuching International Airport (KIA) this morning to send someone off to Kuala Lumpur .I saw many Firefly Airline advertisement at KIA.

To travel with Firefly's  click  FIREFLY AIRLINE

Firefly,the country's first community airline,very soon will proudly opening its new ticketing office at the Kuching International Airport.With the opening of this ticketing office, it will give convenience for everyone to purchase Firefly's tickets and I'm confident that with this new ticketing office they will be able to serve the public better .

Although almost 70% of Firefly's ticket sales are transacted online, this newly-opened ticketing office will certainly give convenience for those travellers who do not have easy access to purchase via the internet . This move also reflects the carrier's commitment into providing easy access for people of all background to enjoy Firefly's community service.

Let's Fly With Firefly Airline to Kota Kinabalu.

My last trip to Kota Kinabalu was 20 years ago,it was my official trip then on duty so I have no chance to explore the culture and the beauty of Kota Kinabalu.How I wish I can fly to Kota Kinabalu again and this time I want to fly with Firefly Airline and have a chance to fly with the latest Boeing 737-800 series .In Kota Kinabalu i can make a short trip that may last for 5-6 days.Photography is my hobby so if i have a chance to go to Kota Kinabalu I wish to photograph the beautiful culture and the beautiful of Kota Kinabalu.I wish to photograph and the activities of the people,go to new place and spending time observing the people there experience their way of life,talking to local people or perhaps making new friends.In Kota Kinabalu I love to visit .Gaya Street Sunday Market,City Mosque,Lok Kawi Wildlife Park,Tanjung Aru Beach and Sabah State Museum Heritage and Village.

Gaya Street located in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District has been the centre of business for over a hundred years. The wooden shops with nipah roofs are long gone but here is where generations-old family businesses are still thriving passed down from father to son. Every Sunday morning, the length of Gaya Street is closed off to traffic to make way for the Fair. Shop for anything under shady trees and over-sized umbrellas, like batik sarongs, fruits and flowers, arts and craft, footwear, antiques and souvenirs, cakes, even pets and herbs!. This is the best place to experience the cross-section of the local population when entire families enjoy a Sunday outing.

The Gaya Street Fair is on every Sunday from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm.

 

City Mosque Kota Kinabalu.
Built on a 2.47 acres site at the Likas bay, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is exemplary of the Islamic contemporary architecture. Situated near the sea, this majestic white mosque boasts similar features to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. This floating mosque has a prayer hall which houses three madrasahs and accommodates from 9, 000 to 12, 000 people at a time.
By far the largest mosque in Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is even possibly the most beautiful one in Malaysia – the man-made lagoon which surrounds it gives a serenely gorgeous and dramatic look to the mosque on a full moon night.
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays from 8am to 5pm. There are no fees charged on visitors

Tanjung Aru Beach Kota Kinaalu.
Located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and about 6 kilometres from KK City, this place is closest to the hearts of the locals, and just one visit to the beach will tell you why. Taking its name from the casuarinas or aru trees that fringe the fine sands, this is where one might get a ringside seat to the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red.. Food stalls serving local food and drinks are open till late at night. Enjoy coconut and sugarcane juice, chicken or beef satay and steamed peanuts and corn, or indulge in a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant located there.
The Tanjung Aru beach is also home to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Kota Kinabalu.
The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department.
The park consists of two components: zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo.
Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.
The botanical component, on the other hand; offers visitors the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open for the public daily from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m. Entrance fees charged are as follows: adults RM10 (Malaysian) and RM20 (non-Malaysian).

The fifth place that i will visit is  Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village Kota Kinabalu.
Built in 1985, the Museum complex is sited where then British North Borneo Governor's Istana was once located. The Museum consists of the Main Building, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilization. Inside are various Galleries housing Natural History, Ceramics, Ethnography and Archaeology exhibits, among others ...
Ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes reflect the diversity of the State's culture and traces Sabah's early trade links with the neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia and China. The museum also houses musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia.
There is a Heritage Village on the Museum grounds where you can enter and experience different types of traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. Cultural activities are held here from time to time.
The Sabah State Museum is located on Jalan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, 4 km or about 15 minutes from the KK City Centre.
Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to in Kota Kinabalu, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!.

If you want to win a give away ticket from Firefly Airline to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching you can join the contest and  for more information click FEEQSAYS.NETWORK

Thank You & Credit to the owner of the google image( above) and Thank You again.

Spontaneous Street Walk.

Came late Monday afternoon, my hand was itching so badly for shutter therapy session I decided to grab the camera bag and attack the streets just before sunset. Made it home from work rather early, I sped off to Petaling Street in the city, just in time to catch the dying lights. Unfortunately, it was raining rather heavily when I arrived, but that did not stop my determination to come home with enough pictures to make myself smile. I just need to be on the streets, and shoot purely for myself. Oh no, is this what we call, an obsession? Or an addiction? say Robin Wong.

Oh my goodness ..this guy really motivated me to do street photography but of course I can't be like him,this guy  simply the best.Read what he say (Above statement).Want to know him and visit his blog kindly go to his site and I'm sure those who is crazy about street attack will not regret .His name is Robin Wong so click http://robinwong.blogspot.com

Yesterday (Sunday) late afternoon I grab my entry level E-620 and go to the street.My shooting target is the old parts of Kuching City.Like Robin say "shot purely for myself "...yeah,that what I'm trying to do but to be honest I'm just an old guy who shot just like the tourist or carry DSLR but more on P & S style.Haha,,that my style .Again Robin say "to come home with enough picture to make myself smile" .Well , I liked it.

My version of street attack with my Olympus E-620  and Lens Zuiko 14-54mm f2.8-3.5.

 

This is my target India,court house and carpenter Street.

I did not photograph much on Carpenter Street, just this lonely red postal box .

I have a chance to speak with this gentleman,he is a hired van operator .I ask him,are you reading about our petrol & sugar new price in Malaysia ?

Wow !!!! this guy really count every single cents he spend.

"My car tank is 52 litter.Previously when petrol price was RM1.85 x 52 litter = RM96.20, now after increasing I  can get only RM1.90 x 52 litters = RM98.8. It only different by RM2.60". What do you think about the differences of RM2.60? Does sugar price affects you too? ..........

 

Most shoppers who do shopping around the Indian Street Mall are from middle to low income group .I meet Bujang he work as street cleaner around this area.He remark"I’m one of the small salaries workers in Malaysia. For the past 4 years our monthly expenses just for food raise 3 times. That means 300%.What kind of government that raised our expenses but failed to offer a rewards for the small salaries group?

And so are most people around me, so it doesn't really matter what I do.I smile to strangers and say hello.Every one seem happy to-day including the 'Tukang Gigi'  or shall I call it 'False teeth maker' not Dentist....he smile 24 hours .

 

Do you know how much money this street medicine-man collect from the public to-day? I saw they give him Rm10.00 for every small packed of medicine he sold.I saw him doing few trick by drinking so call poison water being prepared by himself .Actually I wanted to photograph him while he perform the trick or magic but I have to be caution other wise instead of I attack the street  for picture he attack me.I advise the people after enjoying watching his trick 'Don't do this at home".

 

To-day is a beautiful day but I cannot see it....being thoroughly entertained by blind musician this little boy put some token in a cash box.

Playing with billboards......
Another great classic of street photography is to compose with the giant billboards used for advertising to create unique pictures, micro comedies or dramas. Very often, the desired effect is obtained when a billboard either presents a feature that supports a character action, or, on the contrary, presents an element totally opposing it. In some cases, a scale effect between a character and the picture displayed in a background creates a fantastic impact on the viewer.
The easiest approach is to find a great poster having a high photogenic potential (pictorial, funny, or dramatic), and to wait before it. Then to patiently watch the moment when an a typical person comes and pass-by or make an action before the billboard. It requires a lot of luck but also a lot of time and patience, and the result is not guaranteed. Also you can lose precious time waiting that could be dedicated to other better catches.

So the most rewarding experience remains the typical street photographer approach : capturing this very fortuitous moment resulting from a combination of three major elements: 1) A billboard with a high potential, 2) a subject in complete match (or mismatch) with this billboard, and 3) the presence of a street photographer at this precise moment to observe the scene and freeze this moment, that will never happen a again.

I wanted to try playing with billboard but no many billboard here in old part of Kuching City . And again I need more practice ,practice and practice in street photography.

Cheers......

www.fireflyz.com.my

 

I have been travelling not a lot but quite a few time for the past 2 years and have had a chance to see,feel and appreciate or dislike the airline that I travel with.So far,I can say that I'm quite fond of low cost carrier 'Air Asia' and her tag line 'Now everyone can fly'.To be honest I'm always travel with zero fare offer by this carrier and enjoy the smooth flight of Airbus 320 .The wonderful thing about this budget airline is that the arrival/departure terminal is in LCCT(Low Cost Carrier Terminal) and I can take a bus ride to KL Central just for Rm8.00 for one way.This is very good for backpacker like me who carry only my camera & laptop backpack which is less then 10 kg.

To travel overseas maybe many budget Malaysian still prefer AirAsia X.

 

 

Firefly’s first Boeing 737-800 arrives in December 2010 and will begin its operations on the 15th of January 2011 from the Main Terminal Building, KLIA.

Next year onward or perhaps some of you have already plan ahead your trip from East to West Malaysia ...Now you have option..Yes,yes.the community airline which is spread its wing and lovely bright orange has decided to show off their newly B737-800.Oh!!! how I wish I'm onboard to photograph this beautiful still bird

From 15th of January 2011:

• 2x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu
• 2x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kuching

From 24th of January 2011:

• 3x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu
• 4x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kuching

 

   Passenger reviews on Firefly SKYTRAX.

World Walking Day 2010@ Kuching Waterfront.

Kuching celebrates World Walking Day.
Thousands of peoples join the first celebration of world walking Day in Kuching .

Kuching beautiful people come as early as 5:30 am to register them self to participate in the event , as promise they give away free green colour t-shirt .

This morning I participate in the event Nestle World Walking Day.I carry my camera with me & photographing the event.

 

The weather is beautiful & every one is wearing green T-shirt .

 

The young one ........

All of us have heard  the phrase "Let us go for walk" it can do wonders for our bodies and  our relationships with people we love.Sometime event like this we meet new friends.

Our beautiful auntie and uncle....

The twin with their parent join the walk......

Everywhere is green...Do you know that each of the colours has the power to evoke certain psychological and emotional temperaments within you.

Starting point....all the green are ready :)

 

Beautiful people....The green special vibration and characteristic is relaxes and energises the heart centre.

Beautiful city of Kuching and beautiful people of Kuching.......

They say green is excellent for cooling heated emotion and fever.

Kuching peoples are very discipline people...line up "Q" for free breakfast and free goodies by Nestle.They give me free coffee & chocalate drink.

Every one & some with family members are having great fun at the events.

Perhaps next year 'World Walking Day' is wearing white T-shirt.

 

There is nothing better to look forward to at the end of walking then the lovely green milo van.

The van serving its popular chocalate drink at the World walking day.

They say the event will be held annually starting this year 2010 till we meet again next year ,INSYALLAH.

Nestle World Walking Day 2010 in Kuching.

I’d like to invite friends to this great social event get healthy , meet people & I will be around too .Spread the love,the love of walking that is,It's no competition,no stress event.Just join in the fun,walk,walk and walk for a couple of kilo meters .Don't worry come early for free World Walking Day T-Shirt.

Official web site HERE

See you guy around at Kuching Waterfront  this coming Sunday 21st November 2010.Rain or shine I will be there.

Malaysia-Muslims to celebrate Eid-al-Adha on November 17th.

Today, the ketupat casings can be bought in wet markets. Some stalls even sell cooked ketupat a day before the celebrations.

JANUR (Young Palm leave).

Preparing the ketupat started with the anyaman process when the janur were woven into casings. The casings were then filled with rice and boiled for a few hours.The brother & sister helping their parents process the janur to woven into ketupat casing.

Men, women, and children of the Muslim community are required to dress in their finest clothing to perform the Eid prayer.

All the above photos are from my 2009 collection.

Muslims all over the world are all set for the celebrations of the upcoming religious holiday of Eid-al-Adha and in Malaysia is on Wednesday November 17, 2010, which is also known as ‘The Celebration of SacrificeSacrifice'. The Greater Eid of Muslims, Eid-ul-Adha, marks the end of the Hajj, which the fifth pillar of Islam and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
The festivities of Eid-al-Adha take place on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The date of celebrating Eid-al-Adha is approximately after 2 Months and 10 Days of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The essence of celebrating Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorating the trials of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajra and his son Ismael. After the sacrificing act of Prophet Ibrahim, it has become a tradition to slaughter livestock and feed the poor to mark the occasion.
However, the sacrificed animals on Eid-ul-Adha have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. It is the tradition of Eid-al-Adha to distribute meat among the needy and poor people.

The 1Malaysia Broadband Carnival.

The carnival is organised by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture (KPKK) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and supported by the state government.

 

 

Some of the activities lined up for the carnival are anime exhibitions, broadband & Internet usage awareness workshop and local creative content workshop.

Over the last weekend many carnival organised by the Government agencies held in the city of Kuching.

Traditional Dress.

To-day I have decided to post a photo that I took on one of  the celebration in Kuching.   I took this while at a padang merdeka with some friends.  I shot with Olympus E-620 and happened to have the camera out at the right moment as I passed this people wearing Sarawak native traditional dress.

Beautiful traditional dress.........

Beautiful maiden with colourful traditional dress.

Melanau of Sarawak with their traditional dress.

Student wearing traditional dress during the performance in Kuching.