Tiger tantrum at Virgin’s trans-Tasman alliance
Tiger Airways will take its objections to Virgin Blue’s joint venture with Air New Zealand on the trans-Tasman route to the regulatory authorities.
Tiger, which is backed by Singapore Airlines, believes a lessening in competition caused by the two airlines joining forces will lead to increased fares and reduced services.
The Age reports that in a submission to the competition regulator, Tiger’s new Australian boss, Crawford Rix, said the two airlines were experiencing the ”economic reality facing the whole industry”.
He said the two airlines should work separately to weather the storm rather than form a union that would not benefit travellers.
”If allowed to combine their activities, [the airlines] have the ability to eventually reduce flights and seat numbers, reduce frequencies or services on marginal routes, and could utilise their increased combined market power to raise prices and prevent potential new entrants,” he said.
Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand announced their plans for a revenue-sharing alliance last month, in a bid to bolster their defences against Qantas and Jetstar’s push into the trans-Tasman market.
Meanwhile, Tiger has announced more flights from its new base at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport.
Flights from Avalon to Sydney, Rockhampton, Mackay and Alice Springs have been added to recently announced flights to the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth.
Tickets for the new Avalon routes to Sydney, Rockhampton, Mackay and Alice Springs are on sale now.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026