Firefly welcomes its first ATR 72-600

Malaysian carrier starts fleet upgrade to rapidly expand its route network.



Firefly, Malaysia Airlines’ subsidiary carrier has today taken ownership of its first brand-new ATR 72-600. The aircraft is the first of 20 latest generation firm ATRs, plus 16 options, ordered by Malaysia Airlines in December 2012. Firefly currently operates 12 ATR 72-500s, and with the arrival of the new ATR 72-600s will almost triple its exclusively ATR 72 aircraft fleet, taking the total to over 30 aircraft.

With this significant fleet expansion Firefly will rapidly increase capacity on their domestic network augmenting flight frequencies on routes to key destinations in Subang, Penang, Kota Bahru and Johor Bahru. The airline will also be able to boost their regional offering ensuring its customers better connectivity within the ASEAN network, -specially Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore-, thus reinforcing the position of Firefly in these markets and key business routes.
The new-generation ATR-600s are equipped with a new full-glass cockpit and feature a high comfort layout seating 72 passengers with larger overhead bins. In addition to the performance advantages and enhanced comfort, these aircraft offer an improved operational flexibility for the airline.
The freshly delivered ATR 72-600 will enter into service this month. The aircraft's first commercial flight should take place following its arrival in Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang on 12 July, 2013, when the ATR 72-600 takes off for Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
ATR