Tiger Airways back to basics

A report by John Masanauskas in The Herald Sun confirms what TravelMole said when Tiger announced operations in Australia, that it would be modelled on highly successful European Low Cost Carrier Ryanair described by The Mole as Ryanair by another name.

The report says that new budget airline Tiger Airways should expect a basic service when flights start from a no-frills terminal at Melbourne airport this year.

After check-in, Tiger customers will have to walk outside to board their aircraft, not through aerobridges.  And it is likely that Tiger will follow the example of other low-cost carriers and have unreserved seating on domestic flights.

Tiger, to be based in Melbourne, will operate from terminal four at Tullamarine, which was originally used by Virgin Blue.

Airport spokeswoman Brooke Lord said yesterday the building was separate from the main terminals and would feel more like a railway station.

“It will be very basic, the focus will be on getting passengers away efficiently,” she said.

Ms Lord said Tiger’s facility would include at least one cafe and services like ATMs.

Normal passenger and baggage screening would operate at the terminal, she said.

Ms Lord said she expected Tiger to base its operation on the successful Ryanair model in Europe, adding, “It’s going to be the first time in Australia that we see this type of low-cost model, it will be interesting to see how it will work,” she said.

Tiger, which could start flying by September, is yet to announce routes and fares and a Tiger spokesman was yesterday unable to confirm if the carrier would use unallocated seating, which Jetstar commenced with but due to consumer pressure soon moved to allocated seating.

A report by The Mole with material from The Herald Sun