Tigerair Australia to cease operations

Tigerair Australia will cease operations owing to a lack of demand in the Australian market. Parent company Virgin Australia states that it was shutting its low-cost arm down as “there is not sufficient customer demand to support two carriers at this time”, in an oblique reference to rival low-cost carrier Jetstar. Tigerair Australia has been grounded since March. The move comes as Virgin Australia, itself exiting voluntary administration under new owners, outlines a leaner operation model that will also see it operate only Boeing 737 aircraft. However, Virgin Australia will retain Tigerair Australia’s air operator certificate, “to support optionality to operate an ultra-low-cost carrier in the future when the domestic market can support it”. Cirium fleets data shows the low-cost carrier used to operate a fleet of 15 narrowbodies, comprising nine Airbus A320s, and six 737-800s. Virgin Australia says as part of streamlining measures, it will be disposing of the Airbus aircraft. It is unclear if the 737s will be moved to mainline operations. <br/>