Asia News Desk » Tiger Airways

Asia’s budget airlines eye growth, trade barriers

Prahok — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:40:18 +0000

The Associated Press reports that Asia’s budget airlines should benefit from bargain hunting travelers amid a global economic slowdown, as long as government barriers don’t stifle expansion of this still young business, industry experts said. Low-cost carriers are poised to take advantage of falling fuel costs and increased demand for cheap fares as full-service airlines struggle with a global collapse in consumer demand, they said. “These times are very good for low-cost carriers,” said Bruce Buchanan, CE of Jetstar Airways. “We’re seeing quite strong demand. Six months ago it was a much tougher environment.” Budget airlines have flourished this decade in Asia as the region opened routes to competition. However, governments could scuttle that growth by returning to protectionist policies in a bid to save jobs at national flagship carriers, many of which are state-owned, said Peter Harbison, an industry consultant at the Sydney-based Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Tiger Airways CE Tony Davis said that while a surge in protectionism is the industry’s biggest risk, governments also face pressure to boost tourist revenue. “I don’t think protectionism will flourish in this market,” Davis said. “Progress is being made.”

Tiger Airways bookings up despite economic crisis

Prahok — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:34:24 +0000

The Age reports that Tiger Airways says bookings are up despite an escalating global economic crisis. A spokesman said travellers are seeking cheaper alternatives to allow them to fly by air. “We are not seeing a decline… We are seeing that people are substituting from premium carriers to budget carriers like Tiger because they still need to travel,” he said. “Forward bookings show that people are still booking and they are still travelling but they are looking for the best price.” While Tiger Airways will monitor the travel market closely, the spokesman said the airline would proceed with plans to expand flights and its fleet. From December 1, the airline will increase service from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to five times a day from once a day, he said. Tiger Airways says it would increase flights to Bangkok, Phuket and Macau later this month.

Tiger and Jetstar start price war

Prahok — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:12:01 +0000

AFP reports that Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways will start operating flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from 1 February. And the price war has begun to promote this new route. To kick off the new flights to KL, both Jetstar and Tiger have come up with various promotions. Tiger is giving away 15,000 seats free when passengers book online from Monday, 7 January. Jetstar is offering seats from 88 Singapore cents since its promotion started on 5 January.

Tiger Airways to exercise option to buy 20 A320s

Prahok — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:35:12 +0000

Ap reports that Tiger Airways will exercise an option to buy 20 more A320s to expand its Asia-Pacific network, the airline’s CE said Tuesday. “We are placing another firm major order for 20 Airbus planes. The group will have 70 Airbus planes by 2016,” Tiger Airways CE Tony Davis said at a briefing on the airline’s outlook.

Tiger considers Darwin to Clark

Prahok — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:47:02 +0000

Northern Territory News reports that Tiger may start a new route between Darwin and the Philippines. Tourism Minister Kon Vatskalis met Tiger CE Tony Davies in Singapore on Sunday evening. They discussed expanding services out of Darwin. “He didn’t make any promises,” Vatskalis said, “But we did talk about a possible Philippines service.”

Jetstar Vs Tiger

Prahok — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:02:39 +0000

The Herald Sun reports that Jetstar will step up the battle for market share against Tiger Airways by flooding its chief and high yield Gold Coast market with extra seats. Jetstar intends to introduce new and bigger A321 to the route to augment existing services by its present A320 aircraft. The planes are set to service both the Gold Coast and Cairns routes, with 11 weekly flights to Cairns and up to eight daily return flights to Coolangatta.

Tiger ready for take-off

Prahok — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:26:07 +0000

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Tiger Airways is expected to be given the all-clear to start domestic flights this Friday, with the airline set to receive its Air Operators Certificate Friday morning. Under the gaze of CASA inspectors, the airline conducted two “proving” flights to Maroochydore and Launceston Wednesday, which were largely glitch free. “There are a few outstanding issues that need to be sorted out today. But they are not show stoppers,” said CASA spokesman Peter Gibson.

Tiger’s Australian launch delayed

Prahok — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:00:07 +0000

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Tiger Airways’ hopes of gaining regulatory approval have hit a snag. Thursday, the airline was forced to postpone a “proving” flight – the final test required before beginning commercial services next Friday. It is believed the airline has had problems getting a ground handler in Alice Springs and has technical problems holding an air operators’ certificate with its CE, Tony Davis, not being an Australian resident. The authority declined to comment on the matter. However, it is not uncommon for airlines to face delays in obtaining certificates or have hiccups on proving flights.

Tiger confirms will not fly to Sydney

Prahok — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:15:02 +0000

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Tiger Airways will fly to every Australian state and territory but Tiger CE Tony Davis confirmed it would not fly to Sydney. The airline will fly from its Tullamarine’s terminal 4 home base to Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Newcastle, Perth, Rockhampton and Sunshine Coast. Too bad Sydney Airport remained an overpriced, money-grubbing strip of tar.

Tiger to announce Adelaide services

Prahok — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:50:16 +0000

The Advertiser reports that Tiger Airways is expected to announce Tuesday that it will begin flying to and from Adelaide. Tiger Aviation CE Tony Davis’s office announced late Monday there would be an announcement “regarding Tiger Australia’s network” at 11am. Aviation observers say Tiger could use the old domestic terminal at Adelaide Airport rather than the $260 million Terminal 1.