MAS to buy 20 turbo-propeller aircraft for Firefly

Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) has recently inked RM62 million deal to buy 20 turbo-propeller aircraft for its subsidiary, Firefly from an Italian based short-haul aeroplane manufacturer. The ART 72-500s aircraft was for the use of Firefly, which would soon go into its expansion phase. Firefly was formed earlier this year and is termed by MAS as a community-based airline with low-cost prices. At present, Firefly flies to 5 destinations from Penang, its base. The destinations include Kota Bahru, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Langkawi and Koh Samui. The ATR 72-500s will be based in its present Penang hub as well as its new hubs in Subang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu.