BY JAMES WILKINSON
In a boost to domestic tourism, Tiger Airways Australia is finally back in the air following a six week grounding by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over safety concerns.
However, for the foreseeable future Tiger is operating flights only between Sydney and Melbourne as the airline focuses on profitability.
“Following the reinstatement of Tiger’s Air Operator’s Certificate by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the airline will now focus on reassuring the Australian public that safety is the airline’s highest priority, whilst providing Australia’s most affordable airfares along with an enhanced focus on reliability,” the airline said in a statement released this morning (Aug 12).
“The airline is resuming services with a simplified flight programme in order to focus on flying popular and profitable routes.
“Whilst flights will initially resume between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Sydney, other routes will be announced shortly.”
Tiger Airways Australia CEO Tony Davis was on the airline’s first flight from Melbourne Tullamarine to Sydney this morning, accompanied by newly-appointed safety advisor Captain Chris Manning who is assisting the airline with any safety concerns by CASA and the travelling public.
“Tiger Airways Australia is committed to a safe, viable and long term future in Australia,” the airline said. “The airline remains committed to regaining the confidence its customers through an enhanced focus on punctuality and convenience, while continuing to offer Australia’s most affordable air fares.”