PETALING JAYA: MAS subsidiary Firefly has replaced its Fokker 50s fleet with the French-made ATR 72-500.

It received its fifth ATR at a ceremony at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang yesterday with another five aircraft arriving next year.

Managing director Eddy Leong said the company was proud to finally operate with the new ATRs from Toulouse, France but was equally emotional about bidding farewell to the Fokkers. Firefly started operations in April last year by leasing two Fokkers from MAS and a third Fokker subleased from MASWings.

"The ATR 72-500 is the critical component fuelling Firefly's aggressive network expansion in 2008 and 2009," said Leong.

He said the 72-seat aircraft was equipped with a state-of-the-art cabin interior, comfortable seats with ample leg room and reduced cabin noise. He added that the ATR would reduce Firefly's operating costs by up to 20% on fuel and maintenance.