Monday 16 July 2007

A NEW TIGER FOR TASMANIA
Tasmanians and visitors alike are set to benefit from a new era of competition with the arrival of Tiger Airways to the State.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, welcomed today’s announcement by the low-cost carrier that it would commence its first Tasmanian service between Launceston-Melbourne later this year.

“Fares will start from $39.99 and the first flight leaves on November 29.”

“The arrival of this new service will have broad appeal because it provides travellers with more choice,” Ms Wriedt said.

“As history has shown with other low-cost air carriers, it’s fully expected that the introduction of Tiger Airways’ services to Tasmania will generate renewed interest in travel to the State.

“In line with low-cost carrier business models, Tiger Airways guarantees year round low prices across all its destinations.

“This provides a substantial opportunity for Tasmania in not only our existing markets, but also in the new locations from which they will run services.

“To date, they have announced Mackay, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Alice Springs and Darwin as part of their new network.”

Ms Wriedt said the airline would start business on its Australian routes with five A320 aircraft. In time it is expected to boost its domestic fleet as they expand their network.

“In the same way that Tasmania works with all its air and sea carriers, this is just the start of what we hope will be a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with Tiger Airways.

“Importantly, we have not ruled out the potential to further develop Tasmania’s international route connections with the carrier, whose parent already services Asia.”

“Tiger Airline’s business model is based on that of Ryanair, which carried 42 million passengers in 2006 throughout Europe.”

Tiger Airways is still subject to regulatory approval by the Federal Government.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au