FAX to Firefly: See you later. We’re off to China
KUALA LUMPUR: How time flies – especially when you’re a budget airline called Firefly and you find yourself in the middle of merry-go-round in Malaysia.
Firefly, which is owned by Malaysia Airlines, will take back rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak that were surrendered by MAS to Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) because they were under-performing and non viable.
Fast forward to last week when FAX announced a deal that would see it partner Air Asia in long haul operations, in opposition to the national carrier, MAS, on some routes.
MAS, through Firefly, will resume loss-making rural services underwritten by the Malaysian government,
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the Cabinet had agreed “that the provision of such services is the Government’s responsibility and a type of social service so we will continue subsidising the cost of running these operations, which amount to RM60 million per year, to maintain the low-fare structure”.
It has been less than a year since MAS handed over the rural air services to Air Asia, which then subcontracted them to FAX.
Fernandes said FAX would be launching AirAsia long haul operations to China, Australia and UK later this year, and that it would be too distracting to operate turbo-propeller aircraft as well.
Launching Air Asia long haul operations last week, Fernandes said he had considered names for the new operation – “including names of insects” – but concluded that the Air Asia brand was too strong to ignore.
According to Bernama news agency, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said Firefly would be a big help towards reinstating tourism destinations in the state’s rural areas on the global map.
“As it is 100% owned by MAS, Firefly is in the best position to take over the service,” she said.
She said tourism players in the state went through an “expensive experience” after FAX took over the service.
Sabah tourism minister Datuk Karim Bujang said the step would greatly benefit the people living in rural areas and also help to boost tourism.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025