Bangkok Airways vs Firefly

Overview

Bangkok Airways is a Thai regional airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1968 as Sahakol Air and began operating as Bangkok Airways in 1989. It is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET: BA), is controlled by the Prasarttong-Osoth family company, and has its headquarters in Chatuchak district, Bangkok. It is not a member of a global alliance, but it has codeshare agreements with a number of airlines, including Air France, British Airways and Cathay Pacific (as of August 2024). The airline's press page shows it is operating in September 2026 and reported a net profit of THB 2.43 billion for the first half of 2026.

Network and hubs

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Samui are the main hubs. Operating bases also include Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. The network is short-haul, covering domestic Thailand and nearby countries such as Cambodia, and Wikipedia lists about 20 destinations as of June 2026. The airline owns or operates several island and regional airports, and Samui is its best-known route.

Fleet

As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists 23 aircraft:

• 11 Airbus A319-100
• 2 Airbus A320-200
• 10 ATR 72-600, with 12 more on order

The jets are ageing, and the airline said in late 2024 that it was evaluating the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 as replacements, with deliveries intended from around 2028.

On board

Economy is the main cabin. Third-party sources report a seat pitch of about 31 inches, and a snack and drink service on short flights. Premium Economy and Business classes exist on the fare structure. According to Flight Centre, the Blue Ribbon Club business cabin is offered only on the A319, not on the A320 or ATR. Business seats are recliners rather than lie-flat. Alternative Airlines reports that business passengers are given mini iPads for entertainment. These details come from third-party sources and may change.

Good to know

• Baggage: the airline's FAQ gives a checked allowance of 20 kg in Economy, 30 kg in Premium Economy and 40 kg in Business, with 10 kg for infants. Cabin bag limits differ between sources, so check at booking.
• Lounges: the Blue Ribbon Club lounges are free for Business passengers. Economy passengers can upgrade from the Boutique Lounge for THB 950 at Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai. FlyerBonus Premier members can redeem 4,000 points for access.
• Loyalty: the frequent flyer programme is FlyerBonus. Premier members get extra baggage allowance on Bangkok Airways flights.
• Awards: the airline reports a Skytrax World's Best Regional Airline title for 2026.
• Not found: no published on-time figure or typical fare was found.

Overview

Firefly is a Malaysian regional and low-cost carrier. According to Wikipedia, it began flying on 3 April 2007 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group, alongside Malaysia Airlines, MASkargo and Amal. Its headquarters are in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. It is not a member of an airline alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is Enrich.

Network and hubs

Firefly flies domestically within Malaysia and to neighbouring countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and China. Its main hubs are Subang (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) and Penang, with a secondary hub at Kota Kinabalu. Airline Ratings reports that on 19 August 2025 the Boeing 737-800 operation moved from Subang to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, while the turboprops stayed at Subang. Airways reports that Malaysia Airlines is transferring several Eastern Malaysia domestic routes to Firefly.

Fleet

• Wikipedia lists a fleet of 14 aircraft (retrieved September 2026).
• Airline Ratings describes nine ATR 72-500 turboprops for short regional routes and five Boeing 737-800 jets for longer, higher-capacity routes.

Firefly first flew jets in 2011, returned them, and resumed jet operations in 2021 using 737-800s from Malaysia Airlines.

On board

Airways says the 737-800s are configured for 189 passengers in a single-class layout and have been refreshed. Firefly sells no premium cabin. I could not confirm seat pitch, meals, entertainment or Wi-Fi from sources, so check these when booking.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: the official fees page allows one free 7 kg hand-carry bag. Overweight, oversized or extra hand baggage is checked in for a per-piece fee.
• Checked baggage: allowances depend on the fare. Third-party reports mention 20 kg on ATR flights, so confirm in the booking.
• Sports equipment: golf sets and diving gear are not part of the checked allowance and carry a separate fee.
• Changes and refunds: these follow the fare rules. The fees page states that cancellation is only permitted for medical illness or death.
• Wheelchair assistance: bookings go through live chat or a ticketing office. Passengers must be able to climb the aircraft steps.
• Taxes: fuel surcharge, departure levy and other fees are included at booking.