Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip (part4) 'Kamik Nait Belon Firefly'.

Firefly Airline is a subsidiary company from Malaysia Airline offering budget flight mostly in the Peninsular Malaysia,taking over MAS route flying from south to north and east to west.January 15th in the year 2011 firefly's offer flight from KUL (KLIA) to Kuching and Kota Kinablu.When firefly's announce new route last December 2010 every Sarawakian especially those from Kuching was delighted to hear which mean there will be a choice of lowcost or budget Airline from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur .

More information about firefly's promotion just log on to their web site   KAMEK NAIT BELON FIREFLY

In case you guy confuse what is 'Kamek Nait Belon' this is local malay Sarawak for" Let's us fly by Firefly Airline "(correct me if I'm wrong)

The word belon mean  aero plane.Beautiful isn't it, Malaysia has so many beautiful dialect .

I'm still on day one of the  Fam trip hosted by Fireflys's & Tourism Malaysia and our last stop before heading to Kuala Lumpur and check-in at Hotel Istana is the Putrajaya Maritime Centre, which was said to be the next big thing in Putrajaya as it’s home to practically any water sport .I don't snap any photo here..well,you see  so many people swimming in the pool .You know what i mean don't you...women swimming gear and people relaxing at pool site.They don't want to be disturb.

Photo by Justin KC Yap...(Thanks Justin )

The handsome uncle our tour guide from day one till last day of our tour.Thank You uncle, for your hospitality and he's  kind of happy go lucky person.Some time he talk alone as many of the media are tired and sleepy .No wonder, no matter afternoon or night whenever he started to say a word.. he say 'Good Morning People' ..,

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

Thank You to the Hotel management .I have XXXL size polo t-shirt and cap ,complimentary from Hotel Istana.This Hotel is one of the 5 star hotel around Bukit Bintang.We reach hotel quite late due to traffic congested.We stay here  for 2 nights including breakfast and hosted by Tourism Malaysia.Thank You to Tourism Malaysia.

 

I was impressed with the friendly greeting by the hotel staff and was amazed to see such splendid decor in the lobby area.
The rooms were comfortable, modern, well equipped and the bathroom was modern, very spacious and clean and soundproof! The housekeeping staff were very efficient, we only had to wait a matter of minutes when requesting extra towels or what ever etc.Breakfast buffet was delicious with lots of variety - hot and cold food. The restaurant staff were helpful and made polite conversation although not overbearing.The perfect location for sight seing and only a 10 minute walk to the Pavilion and other shopping centre.I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wishes to have city break in Kuala Lumpur and of course we have to poke up more monies from our pocket (in case you pay by cash).Me..hehehe.all paid by Tourism Malaysia or Firefly's.

 

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

Our mission is not complete yet,I only have one hour break for a shower ( hot shower of course).I am rushing, the bus is waiting to take us to Ampang.

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

We had dinner with Tourism Malaysia officers at Bora Ombak Restaurant in Ampang.The food was scrumptious with modest presentation (picture above) and most of them are unique to me as it was my first time tasting this kind of food.It had a Balinese theme scenery .We  arrived quite late  because of traffic congested.We sit indoor due to humid and raining has started.We are a group of 20 people and the only customers at that time.I look around as there are still ample seats empty.To be honest,do you know that for a free meal some people would go to the end of the earth almost. hehe..he.

Anyway I enjoy the food, like i said my first time haha..Our tour guide purpose a mall tour for us at Bukit Bintang area but not for me as i need energy for day two of our Fam Trip that is we are heading for Melaka at 0745 hours.

End of day one and my next entry is trip to Melaka. Watch out guy........more photos  on next entry.

Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip (Part3)

First of all many Thanks to Miss Sin Hoi from firefly's marketing & communication team being so kind greet & meet us at Kuching International Airport and flew with us onboard FY601. And  also, thanks for arranging  in flight meal for us.

FY601 new fleet B737-800 touch down KLIA smoothly  and the flight slightly delay  from ETA: 11:15 to 11:35 AM...That's normal .To the fleet Captain and the crew ,congratulation and job well done .I know few of the passengers onboard comment negative about the in flight services and I  agree with them but we must bear in mind that most of the cabin crew are new to this kind of working environment with 190 seated aircraft .I am very sure they can improve when most of them have clock about 10 hrs flying and get use to serve the guest by asking what the passengers wanted for meal etc,etc..Like I say during my trip back KUL/KCH the cabin crew have improve a lot and the services is just superb for a low cost fleet...Well, I suppose 'We get  what we pay for' & this is low cost premium flight that I am really proud off and I'm sure you guy should continue to support our Community Airline.

On arrival we are introduce to firefly's local staff and to our tour guide which is arrange by Tourism Malaysia.Later we go to Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant as a special guest launch with Tourism Malaysia staff and we are then introduce our self .The media from Sabah could not join us for lunch due to unforeseen problem but manage to join us for the tour.Our lunch at Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant is superb and the food is 'Marvelous'. Thanks to Tourism Malaysia

 

Photo of Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant by Justin KC Yap ( Business reporter from The Borneo Post) Credit to Justin's Photo.

The 5 star services & the food 'marvelous ' .....Credit to Justin's Photo.My new friend from Sarawak Tribune (sub-editor) enjoying the food.

Credit to Justin's Photo.

This are the transport that carry us from Seafood restaurant to Taman Botani,Morocco Pavillion and Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.If you are in for a little exercise and some leisure activities then the lake Boardwalk is absolutely perfect for you.Tram ride (picture above) around the park is suitable for families

 

After lunch we proceed to Taman Botani where we are being brief by the Senior Officer from both  Taman Botani & Perbadanan Putrajaya regarding the tourism product, Q&A from the media etc,etc..very educational information indeed .

The photojournalist in action at Moroccan Pavilion in Putrajaya and we discover the unique and amazing Moroccan Pavilion.

 

The architectural features based on the heritage of Morocco are actually inspired by the world of plants.Here, you can plan your exciting family day or even a splendid garden wedding at a very affordable price.

We are welcome by the crew members of Kelah Cruise  in Putrajaya lake.

 

The best way to see and experience or discover Putrajaya is by taking a leisure cruise to see and marvel at the city's many attractive landmarks and view the beauty of the lake and I can see and experience the most breathtaking sights of Putrajaya.

For those of you who is planning for a family vacation I suggest this is the place.To discover Putrajaya  fly to KLIA from Kuching by  logon to Firefly Airline web site.

Next entry I will blog about our trip to Putrajaya Maritime Centre ..still on first day of Familiarisation Trip.Isn't it wonderful in just 2 night and 3 days I can discover Putrajaya,Melaka and Kuala Lumpur.

So see you guy on part4 ...Cheers.

Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip (Part 2)

PRESS ADVISORY

Firefly, Your Community Airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, is pleased to invite you to the launch of our inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in our newly announced Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

In conjunction with the inaugural celebration, we will also be organising a MEDIA FAMILIARISATION TRIP from 15 – 17 Jan 2011. The journey covers top holiday destinations and activities that will give the targeted audience of your media a good insight of what West Malaysia has to offer.

Details of the event are as follows;

Date    : 15 – 17 Jan 2011

Venue    :  Kuala Lumpur

Time     : 8.00 am (Advised time to be at Kuching International Airport)

                Inaugural flight departing at 0935 am.

* Enclosed is the complete itinerary for the trip with flight details

We look forward to hosting a reporter and a photographer in this trip. To ensure smooth planning, we would appreciate if you could send us confirmation of attendance with the full name, designation, identification number and contact number of participants.

To be honest,I was too excited about the invitation by firefly's.I'm ready for the journey and memorable day.The time has finally come,15th January the year of 2011 was a very special day for firefly's  our Malaysia Community Airline. I'm not alone as there are two social media guy from Sarawak Blogger 

ARI IZZAD   and  The founder of Sarawak blogger CYRIL and the rest are from media like The Borneo Post & Sarawak Tribune

In-flight service started the moment the seat belt signs were switched off. Boarding pass was used as reference for meals that was pre-ordered through standard and premium packages.Set of meal and 350ml drinking water.

 

There are so many reason that we should choose firefly's .First firefly's is low cost flight with new fleet Boeing 737-800 series,flight to be check-in  from KLIA & boarding the aircraft thru aero bright .

The tree handsome commander of the new fleet B737-800..

With two flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur .One flight in the morning and the other late night around 11:00 pm and soon they will introduce 4 flight per day.My personal opinion is the services is as good as any premium airline and of course 'You get what you pay for'.

I wish all the best to firefly's for more info do log on to their web site

F I R E F L Y  A I R L I N E

My next post part 3 is the journey covers top holiday destinations and activities that will give the targeted audience of your media a good insight of what West Malaysia has to offer and our transportation,hotel,food and the tour is arrange by Tourism Malaysia.

Firefly Airline-Media Familiarisation Trip.(Part 1)

Firefly,Your Community Airline and wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines,is inviting me to the launch of  their inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in their newly announced Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The new fleet of Firefly Airline B737-800.

On the 15th of January ,2011 Firefly Airline made a history the firefly's flight number FY602 from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kuching International Airport touch down on time and the traditional aviation welcome the new fleet by spraying the water from the rescue unit water engine.As promise they use the aero bridge for the convenient of the passengers.

 

My media pass and the photograph of coming guest from Kuala Lumpur been greet by traditional dance of Sarawak.

The best is as a blogger and freelance photographer .A very big Thank You to firefly's for inviting me to be part of this great event.

Passengers to Kuala Lumpur at departure hall and on board the B737-800 fleet.

The flight crew of firefly's........

I'm one of the first guest that flew from Kuching to KLIA with the new fleet B737-800 and if you guys want to go to Kuala Lumpur with lower fare just log on to firefly's website    F I R E F L Y    Airline   .

This is part 1 of my blogging about my FAM Trip with firefly's and InsyAllah will continue part 2 in few days time.

Cheers and Thanks. 

Aviation in Malaysia.

Source: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

Traffic continues to grow in 2010. In the third quarter of last year, passenger numbers were up 12.5% at KLIA, with regional airport growth just over 7%. In both cases, international traffic growth was outperforming domestic traffic.

Malaysia Airports is currently constructing the brand new KLIA 2; a low-cost carrier terminal that will initially be used exclusively by AirAsia and will be able handle 30 million annual passengers.

According to schedule data from OAG, AirAsia now operates more flights and more seat capacity at KLIA than Malaysia Airlines, even before AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia are taken into account. However, Malaysia Airlines does serve more destinations non-stop (66) from the airport than its low-cost rival. A total of 53 airlines currently offer scheduled services from KLIA including KLM and Lufthansa from Europe, but there are no US carriers present at the airport. In fact, the airport still has no direct flights to any US airport.

New services launched from KLIA in 2010 include AirAsia to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Yangon; AirAsia X to Delhi, Mumbai, Seoul and Tokyo Haneda; Malaysia Airlines to Bandung; Oman Air to Muscat; and Royal Jordanian to Amman. AirAsia X has already announced Christchurch and Paris as new destinations for 2011.

Firefly's plane Boeing 737-800.

Cabin interior of B737-800.

 

 

 

A significant development starting this weekend is the introduction of Firefly service between KLIA and Kota Kinabalu (three daily flights) and Kuching (four daily flights) using the airline’s recently acquired 737-800s. Firefly is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines that until now has operated purely turboprop aircraft from the old Kuala Lumpur airport at Subang.

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, there are seven airports which handled more than a million passengers per annum in 2009. Kota Kinabalu is the leading airport in the Malaysian region of Sabah while Kuching is the busiest airport in Sarawak.

More information about Firefly's click

H E R E

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

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.

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.

Malaysia budget carrier- Healthy Competition.

Today with prices rising,the airlines will not raise prices and instead try to run other companies into the ground by lowering prices.Is this a healthy competition?

AirAsia Bhd was cut to "underperform" from "outperform" at RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd to reflect a potential price war after Malaysian Airline System Bhd announced plans to expand its Firefly budget carrier unit.

AirAsia's indicative fair value was cut to RM2.10 from RM3.01, RHB said in a report today. -- Bloomberg

B737-800  has 189 seats -. nine more seats than the Airbus 320.

The B737-800 cabin view......

Firefly is FINALLY buzzing its way to Sarawak. To celebrate this new sector, to East Malaysia, they are throwing 50,000 tickets at rm9 per ticket.

Go check it out NOW! FIREFLY OFFER

AirAsia , AirBus A320.....

AirBus Cabin View.....

AirAsia is giving away FREE SEATS yet again!

We know you can't wait to visit AirAsia website to book yours! But hold on - we want to remind you that there are also plenty of low fares to ALL AirAsia destinations, which won't be more than RM 99*!

Try AIR ASIA OFFER

 

I like Firefly because when you pay one fare price and you will be allowed 20kgs of checked in baggage, 7kgs of hand carry luggage, you may choose your desired seat no, and be served soft drinks and snack on board without any additional charges.

For AirAsia each passenger is permitted to check in bags with a maximum weight of 15 kg. A baggage fee is charged for the carriage of checked baggage, which will be charged at a discounted rate if purchased at time of booking or up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure or at a full rate at the airport check-in counters. Passengers have to pay RM 20 when checked online and RM 30 when checked at the airport.

I wish every one a happy holiday .