Malaysia's second low-cost carrier Firefly took to the skies today with maiden flights to destinations around the country, with more flights planned for neighbouring Thailand.

The first flight saw a Firefly 46-seater Fokker-50 aircraft flying from Penang to Kota Bharu.

Firefly, based in Penang, is operated by national carrier Malaysia Airlines' wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd.

Malaysia Airlines managing director Idris Jala said Firefly's budget tickets were affordable to all, and would allow the airline to compete in the aviation sector, the state Bernama news agency reported.

"We will provide the opportunity for the public to fly from Penang to Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Langkawi," Jala was quoted as saying, referring domestic state destinations.

A statement from Malaysia Airlines said the airline will also start daily services between Penang and the two cities of Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand from April 13.

"We will be playing a key role in the network plan of our parent company and break new grounds to capture a new market segment, by serving destinations which are not financially viable for Malaysia Airlines," Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said in the statement on today.

"In this way we will contribute to the growth of our parent company, where the total effect of both operations will match the needs of the full service passenger and the budget traveler markets," he said.

Firefly started its campaign on March 19 to win the hearts of budget travellers with an offer of 2,000 free return tickets. It operates two Fokker-50 aircraft.