GEORGE TOWN: PREMIUM short-haul airliner Firefly embarked on its maiden flight from Penang to idyllic Krabi, Thailand, on Thursday.
The ATR 72-600 turbo-prop plane took off from Penang International Airport at 8.35am with 59 people onboard, including tour agents and journalists.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and Tourism Authority of Thailand Kuala Lumpur director Suwat Kumwong were there for the sendoff.
It took one hour and 25 minutes to reach Krabi.
Standing by to welcome the guests was FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ignatius Ong. He described the flight as a tourism booster for Penang and Krabi.
“We fly approximately 300 passengers weekly to and from Penang and Thailand,” he said.
“This new route will boost Penang’s tourism industry which offers a rich heritage, cultural festivities, and delicious local food.
“It is a gateway to Malaysia and also a getaway to beautiful Krabi.”
There are three flights weekly. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the plane departs from Penang at 8.35am and arrives at Krabi at 8.45am (Thai time).
Fares for the route start at RM147 all-in, one-way.
Known for its towering limestone hills, pristine beaches and clear blue waters, Krabi attracts many international and local tourists.
Lim said Penang would benefit from the new route.
“We would like to thank Firefly for choosing Penang as the Malaysian gateway to the international and Thai community,” he said.
Lim said it would also help the medical tourism sector to grow.
“Those who come to Penang for medical tourism are from southern Thailand and Australia. We expect growth in foreign medical tourism in Penang,” he said.
The airline also flies from Penang to Phuket and Koh Samui. Firefly was launched seven years ago in Penang as a full-service community airline with two F-50 planes.
Penang has direct air links with Medan, Jakarta, Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, Canton, and Xiamen.