An Asian Tiger Down Under

Singapore-based airline, Tiger Air, is bursting onto the Australian aviation market with a roar. Offering great prices for domestic flights, the airline’s chief executive says it is offering Aussies a ‘fast food’ version of travel.

Tony Davis spoke on Wednesday at the Asia Pacific Aviation Summit about the airline’s plans. He announced one way fares between Melbourne and the Sunshine coast for as low as $59.95.

“Sunshine Coast is Tiger Airways’ fourth destination that we have established between Victoria and Queensland,” Mr Davis said.

Tiger Airlines operates in Australia from its base in Melbourne. Flights offered from the city include Perth, Lauceston and Darwin.

Tiger Airline representatives were evasive when asked about the airline’s plans for Sydney.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out… we’re certainly not going to fall into the trap of other start-ups that have come into Australia,” said Mr. Davis. “They’ve laid out their business plan for all to see and that gives the competition time and the ability to be selective in how they compete with them.”

Well established players in the Australian air business, Quantas and Virgin Blue both offer a number of flights on one of the world’s busiest air routes between Melbourne and Sydney.

Until now, Mr. Davis said that Australians have been forced to pay high prices for air travel merely because they lacked enough options to make competition viable. Tiger Airlines is aiming to become the ‘Ryanair of Asia’ by offering low-cost air tickets for no-frills flights.

“Some of the things we’ve done with our business, we’ve learned from fast food,” he said. “These are the industries we take our inspiration from. Stack it high, sell it cheap.”

Look for Tiger flights Down Under this November.

www.tigerairways.com