KUALA LUMPUR (April 11): Malaysia Airlines’ intra-Borneo services will be transferred to Firefly, effective May 16, following continued demand recoveries across all markets, according to the airlines’ parent, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

MAG said Firefly will facilitate the one-time daily return flights — using the Boeing 737-800 — between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Sandakan (SDK), Tawau (TWU) and Kuching (KCH), as well as a daily return service between Kuching (KCH) and Miri (MYY).

“The initiative represents a significant milestone in the strategic route rationalisation plan of MAG and a continuous assessment of its business operations,” MAG wrote in a statement Tuesday (April 11).

As part of this endeavour, it said Firefly is offering up to 20% off on base fares and pre-booked baggage allowance from RM30, available for booking from Tuesday until April 12. The promotion is valid for travel from May 16 to July 3.

MAG chief executive officer of airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said the transfer of the intra-Borneo services Firefly is a testament to MAG's continued efforts to refine and improve its network and product offerings.

MAG said the flight will be operated using Firefly’s newly retrofitted aircraft, which has 189 seats in economy class and new features such as ergonomically designed seats with ample legroom, personal device holders, and USB type A and C power outlets.

“With the business model as value carrier services, customers can elevate their journey by adding value bundle services from Plus, Extra and Flex, which offer savings of up to 70% on items such as 20kg baggage allowance, in-flight hot meals, 2X flight changes, priority baggage, boarding and check-in, all seat selection, travel insurance and much more value,” the group added.

MAG’s current airlines business portfolio comprises national carrier Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and AMAL — the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage arm.