When Firefly first introduced its flights to Kuching, we were happy to have an alternative way to get home from KL. Not that the tickets were very cheap, but it offered a competitive alternative to Airasia. The fares are cheaper than MAS and we get to avoid LCCT and forget a moment how much worse off we all seem to be compared to the old days. hThen it was taken off amidst talks of MAS/Airasia merger or takeover. In any case it instantly created a non competitive environment and immediately flights from KL to Kuching on Firefly were removed. At the same time, the prices of Airasia for that sector went higher.
Certainly, in the old days, there was senior citizen fares where the tickets were half fares for a full serviced flights on MAS if bookings were made one week ahead. In recent times, the equivalent half fares are not easy to obtain even for zero service airlines like Airasia even if booked one week ahead. MAS has gone on to increase its fares exhorbitantly, Airasia also increased its fares. It's clearly a case of no competition for zero service airlines like Airasia while fares are not cheaper especially so during seasonal family reunions for festive celebrations. What is most annoying is to see cheap fare promotions for flights to other foreign destinations.
With the merger or takeover no longer in place, hopefully Firefly will continue to fly KL- Kuching sector. Firstly it is the duty of Firefly to ensure that Malaysians can return home first, before giving cheap fares to the Indonesians or other nationalities to fly home. It becomes absurd when during festive seasons, non-Malaysians can return home cheaply but not Malaysians using Malaysian airlines. Since MAS is losing billions, why don't they let the Malaysians benefit the service. If MAS wants any form of sympathy for making billions of losses, focus on corporate social responsibility. Take care of Malaysians first.
I have always felt Airasia is Malaysian but seeing how this particular situation is handled, it is hard to feel any sense of loyalty towards Airasia. How could they forget that East Malaysia forms part of Malaysia too?
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