Firefly launches intra-Borneo jet services
Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), made a momentous stride on May 16 with the launch of its jet operations connecting Sabah and Sarawak. The airline commenced daily return flight services from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuching (KCH), Tawau (TWU), Sandakan (SDK), and Miri (MYY), signifying its commitment to providing enhanced connectivity for customers within the region.
To celebrate this significant milestone, Firefly joined hands with Sarawak Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, and Sandakan Tourism Association to organise special ceremonies at BKI, KCH, and SDK. These ceremonies were held to bid farewell to departing passengers and extend a warm welcome to those arriving on the inaugural flights. Distinguished stakeholders and authorities from the respective state tourism bodies were present, underscoring Firefly’s unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service and upholding the renowned Malaysian Hospitality experience.
The Chief Executive Officer of Airlines at MAG, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said that the launch of the jet services from BKI signified their dedication to enhancing connectivity for customers travelling within Sabah and Sarawak. This expansion, he said, comes after the successful reintroduction of Firefly’s Penang hub, which connects East Malaysia and commenced operations in April 2023. Since then, additional destinations have been introduced to nearby cities, further expanding their network.
“Given the rising demand for leisure travel and the support from local tourism bodies, we are excited to commence the latest intra-Borneo services while upholding the highest standards of safety and Malaysian Hospitality. This will give opportunities to further link Sabah and Sarawak with North Asia, China and surrounding ASEAN destinations as we add more B737-800 to the Firefly fleet.
“In addition to these routes, travellers from international destinations such as Phuket, Banda Aceh and Medan will also be able to extend their journey to East Malaysia states via Penang, and we look forward to expanding our network further and strengthening our presence within the region”, he added.
Meanwhile, STB CEO, Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor warmly welcomed passengers from Kota Kinabalu to indulge in the rich culture, adventure, nature, and festival experiences, as well as savour the diverse culinary delights that Sarawak has to offer.
“Being accessible to travellers is essential for the success of any tourist destination and we hope that it will encourage more potential visitors from Sabah to take the opportunity to explore the state and its many amazing attractions. In the future, we hope to strengthen our collaboration with Firefly and introduce other destinations in the State,” she added.
The President of Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), Teo Chee Kim, expressed his delight in welcoming Firefly to Sandakan as part of its intra-Borneo services. He emphasised the significance of flight connectivity for the growth of the tourism industry in Sabah and Sandakan.
“With greater flight frequency and higher capacity offered by Firefly’s jet operation, we believe that more tourists, both domestic and international, can now visit our popular eco-tourism spots and famous seafood restaurants. We look forward to working closely with Firefly to promote Sandakan to a greater audience,” he said.
Customers can now enjoy greater savings and flexibility by taking advantage of the value bundle services offered in the Plus, Extra, or Flex fares. These three fare options provide a fascinating array of benefits, including a generous 20KG baggage allowance, in-flight hot meals, the convenience of 2X flight changes, priority baggage handling, boarding, and check-in, seat selection, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, and much more.
Earlier this year, Firefly introduced its highly anticipated enhanced cabin experience on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring a total of 189 seats in the Economy class. Passengers will be captivated by the vibrant ambiance of the cabin, enhanced by a range of new features designed to elevate their travel experience. These include ergonomically designed seats with ample legroom, personal device holders, and the convenience of USB type A and C power outlets at every seat. These enhancements perfectly embody Firefly’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional value carrier services, all while upholding the renowned Malaysian Hospitality that the airline is known for.
For those eager to plan their next journey, below is the flight schedule from Firefly’s BKI hub:
With these exciting developments, Firefly continues to redefine air travel, ensuring that passengers can indulge in unparalleled comfort, convenience, and value every step of the way.
For more information on the latest updates and campaigns, visit and follow Firefly’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Customers are also encouraged to visit the Firefly website at www.fireflyz.com.my to make bookings and register as members to access special promotions.
