Malaysia (via sa filiale Firefly) veut contrer Air Asia et va mettre en ligne des 737-400s.
Malaysia Airlines Takes On AirAsia
Malaysia Airlines’ turboprop operation Firefly is planning to add Boeing 737s to compete directly against low-faree carrier AirAsia, as well as move in on its turf in Kuala Lumpur.
Industry sources say Firefly plans to add 737-400s as early as this year and it will start competing on routes served by AirAsia.
Firefly operates a fleet of seven ATR 72-500s. It started operations in early 2007 and has until now refrained from directly competing against AirAsia. It has instead focused on serving domestic and international destinations that are under served by major carriers or destinations that can only be served using turboprop aircraft.
Industry sources say Firefly is profitable and the carrier is now looking to add 737-400s for major domestic trunk routes, particularly those routes linking West and East Malaysia.
As a consequence, Firefly will be establishing a base at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, home of AirAsia. Firefly has its main base at Kuala Lumpur’s Subang Airport, but the authorities only allow passenger airlines to operate propeller aircraft to Subang.
Firefly Managing Director Eddy Leong declined to comment when contacted today, except to say: “Firefly has submitted an application to relevant authorities for expansion of its operations.”
“We will furnish more information once the approvals are obtained.”
It is unclear where the 737-400s will be acquired from, but Firefly’s parent Malaysia Airlines has a large fleet of 737-400s that it is phasing out as it takes delivery of Boeing 737-800s on order. MAS’ first 737-800, on order, is due to arrive in October.
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