Tiger Airlines returns to the air

The Australian offshoot of Asian budget carrier Tiger Airways has been given the green light to resume flights after the enforced five-week grounding.  However, the airline’s wings have been severely clipped as it will be restricted to operating just 18 sectors a day (nine return flights) for the remainder of August.  The budget carrier had its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) revoked by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 2 July due to concerns that serious safety issues posed an imminent risk to air safety.

Tiger Airlines is an offshoot of the Singapore-based carrier of the same name, whose shareholders include Singapore Airlines.

The agency has confirmed a subsequent thorough investigation into safety issues within the carrier and said last week that it had developed a new set of conditions addressing key areas of operational importance.  “To continue to operate, Tiger Airways Australia must comply with the conditions while they are in place,” it said.

The airline is now operating what it calls “a simplified flight programme” initially between Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Sydney, with more to follow.

Prior to its suspension Tiger Airways Australia operated more than 450 weekly flights on 42 routes with a fleet of 10 Airbus A320s. www.tigerairways.com

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