MAS Fire fly to use Subang Airport?

I got home slightly earlier than usual today and caught the tail end of TV3’s The Exchange where the interview was with the new budget airline by national carrier MAS - Fire fly or Firefly, I’m not sure which.

What surprised me was the statement on the screen that Fire Fly may use the old Subang airport as their KL hub. That surprised me to no end. When Airasia was launched, there was talk about them applying to use the old (and now abandoned) Subang Airport as their low cost carrier hub. However, their request was denied vehemently and Airasia was unceremoniously shuttled off (no pun intended) to KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), and later to the LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal). Now, it appears that the LCCT was a “temporary measure” pending the building of a “permanent structure” next to KLIA. Odd wot?

Anyway, what with the big hoo-ha about Airasia and the use of Subang Airport, I’m very surprised that Fire Fly is proposing the use of Subang Airport now. I would be even more surprised (nay… shocked) if they are allowed to! That is not only taking double standards to a different level, its making it obvious that a subsidiary (or associate company) of the national carrier is being given preferential treatment!

The main advantage of Subang Airport is that its nearer the city than Sepang where KLIA and LCCT are. That is probably the advantage MAS wants over its rival AirAsia. Its also abandoned, which makes it logical that it be converted to a low cost carrier terminal, like in other countries which make use of old airports. However, now that we do have the LCCT at Sepang, it also only makes sense that ALL low cost carriers, irrespective of who owns them, fly to and from there. No exception. I hope the higher ups understand this simple logic.

But then, never forget. This is boleh-land. Semua pun boleh!

Some other Related posts: