Tiger Airways adds Perth-Singapore route to its flights
12-January-07 by Janelle Macri
Latest News
Asian discount carrier Tiger Airways has added the busy
Perth-Singapore route to its scheduled flights, with plans to fly
four times weekly from March with fares as low as $292
return.
The Singapore-based airline will offer some much needed capacity to
the route which has become a very profitable sector for Qantas and
Singapore Airlines as Perth booms.
Perth and Singapore have a close relationship, with as many as
30,000 Singaporeans thought to live or spend the best part of their
year in the nearest major Australian city.
An estimated 57,000 visitors from Singapore comes to Perth every
year, making it the state's second largest source of
tourists.
The two cities also have major oil and gas sectors.
"This is a significant opportunity and a significant boost to
tourism in WA and our relationship with Singapore," Tourism
minister Sheila McHale said.
"We're delighted that Tiger airways has seen fit to join this
partnership."
Tiger Airways chief executive Tony Davis said the low fares offered
by the airline would position Perth as an alternative short break
destination compared to other Asian destinations and strengthen WA
tourism, not poach business from other carriers operating in that
market.
"Our experience in other markets suggests that low cost airlines
grow markets, they don't cannibalise existing markets. It will help
establish Perth as a strong destination, and enhance the awareness
of Singaporeans to visit Perth."
The Perth to Singapore service will offer more than 70,000 seats
per year bentween the two cities. Fares start from under $300
return, including taxes and charges, with passengers offered the
choice of paying a premium for more spacious emergency exit
seating.
The fleet will consist of nine new Airbus A320 aircraft with 180
seat capacity. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and
in-flight entertainment machines will be available for rent during
the flight.
Tiger Airways' major shareholder in Singapore Airlines, with
European low cost carrier Airline Ryanair founder Tony Ryan a major
backer.
Late last year, Singapore Airlines carried its 500,000th passenger
to Perth.
http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/en-story.php?/1/47684/Tiger-Airways-adds-Perth-Singapore-route-to-its-flights
