Tiger Airways begins Sydney to Melbourne

2 July
Tiger Airways Australia has today officially launch its new Sydney to Melbourne route.

The aircrsft used for the inaugural flight was hauled out of the hangar by the Wests Tigers NRL team, before it commenced its flight on one of the busiest city-pairs on earth.

Tiger Airways’ managing director, Shelley Roberts, said Tiger Airways’ rapid expansion across Australia had allowed the carrier to maintain its low price position.

From Friday, up to four daily services will run between Sydney and Melbourne, with fares starting from $39 one way, including tax and charges.

“Our expansion into this route is in response to overwhelming customer feedback in both cities. Now we are bringing real competition to this incredibly popular route,” Roberts said.

“We are the first true low cost carrier to fly between Sydney’s Kingsford Smith airport and Tullamarine in Melbourne – so not only is it cheap to fly with Tiger, but it’s extremely convenient.

NSW minister for tourism, Jodi McKay, said the new service will create an additional 20 jobs for ground-staff and have the potential to bring an additional 250,000 domestic visitors to the state each year.

“Tiger’s commitment is great news for the NSW tourism industry and the creation of additional jobs is very welcome given the current economic downturn,” she added.