Forget iPads, Malaysian regional airline Firefly (we’ve interviewed the Marketing Director) is using the huble iPod touch to collect feedback from passengers, while they’re in the air! Yeah, you got it right, in-flight. Now that’s stricking the iron when it’s hot.

Last week, I flew Singapore-KL on Firefly (first time on an ATR) and just before landing 3-4 passengers were given the iPods, enclosed in a plastic case, with a note from the MD of the airline, asking for feedback. I guess I looked keen, hence was handed one of those devices.

I went on to answer about twenty questions, on the iPhone app, and didn’t feel the pinch because we were landing soon an I had nothing to do anyway!

I felt this was a simple, yet effective way to solicit feedback. What do you think?

Starting the first week of July, Malaysia Airlines’ subsidiary FireFly will be starting routes from Malaysia to Singapore. Of course, to get to heart of the matter, I met up with their Head of Marketing, Angelina Fernandez, who sheds light into the makings of this new airline and what makes it special. They call themselves the community airline, and offer free snacks (cookies!!) on-board even flights that last as little as 20 mins (Singapore – Melaka).
What makes FireFly special?
FireFly is being positioned as a community airline, “connecting the ethnically-similar communities spread across South East Asia”, as Angelina explains. Targeted at the business traveler – due to quick turnarounds (they fly ATRs), and proximity to the city center in Kuala Lumpur, as they operate out of Subang Airport. The airline also intends to build on Malaysia Airlines’ schedule through flight timings that are complementary.

For the un-initiated, till recently, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur was one of the most heavily protected air routes in the world. Since liberalization, connectivity has increased multi-fold, with airlines like low-cost AirAsia, Tiger Airways, JetStar Asia and now FireFly sometimes offering prices even lower than the bus fares. Enjoy Angelina’s interview (just 3 mins) and then read on for …