Originally Posted by
bmchris
Here's another way to look at it. The ATR72 has 72 seats. Selling each seat for MYR38.68, nets Firefly MYR2784.96. For a 15 minute flight, that may not be too bad.
The ATR72 costs around USD 5000/hour to keep in the air, accounting for all costs: staff, fuel, maintenance, landing fees etc.
It's well known in the aviation industry in Malaysia that Firefly runs just above break-even costs, making little or no profit. But its parent company Malaysia Airlines doesn't seem to mind.