Today marks the day that Firefly starts its operations out of Penang as the nation’s first community airline. Firefly, a 100% subsidiary company of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, took off on its maiden commercial flight from the Bayan Lepas International Airport to Kota Bharu at 6.55am.
It’s a very modest airline, serviced by two Fokker 50 aircraft that’s capable of seating 50 paid passengers. It’s other domestic destinations are Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan, while the regional routes are Phuket and Koh Samui. I hear there are plans to fly other regional destinations like Banda Acheh.
While people in Penang are rejoicing — indeed, taking pride — that there is a regional airline operating out of its airport, at the back of our minds is one singular concern. Will Firefly’s operations put a dent in Penang’s hopes of securing northern hub status with Air Asia?
I have heard comments that Tony Fernandes is not too pleased that Malaysia Airline has stolen the thunder from his red airline. But then, this is only what I’ve heard from the grapevine. Like all Penangites, I want Tony to make Penang his northern hub. We need his airline to connect Penang to more regional destinations. Where Firefly’s parent company, Malaysia Airlines, has failed us miserably, I want Air Asia to succeed. Penang needs this boost and I will urge the Penang state government to do whatever it takes to secure it.
If Air Asia wants the Penang government to provide it with land to build a low-cost terminal, don’t sit on the request; just get up and do it fast. Even if the Penang government sells leases the land to Air Asia for a very nominal price, I’m sure the return and to the state benefit will be multiplied many times.
Just get up and do it …. fast.