Tigerair Australia was a low-cost carrier based in Australia. Established in 2007, it operated domestic flights across Australia. The airline was a subsidiary of Virgin Australia and was headquartered in Melbourne. Known for its affordable airfares, Tigerair aimed to make air travel more accessible for budget-conscious travelers. The airline ceased operations in March 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial difficulties.
Services
- Affordable Fares : Tigerair offered some of the lowest airfares in Australia, making air travel accessible to more people.
- Onboard Menu : Passengers could purchase snacks, meals, and beverages from the onboard menu, featuring a variety of options.
- Online Check-In : The airline provided online check-in services, allowing passengers to check in from the comfort of their homes.
- Economy Class Seating : Standard economy seating was available, with options to purchase extra legroom seats.
- Baggage Allowance : Passengers could purchase baggage allowances according to their needs, with options for both checked and carry-on luggage.
- Priority Boarding : For an additional fee, passengers could purchase priority boarding to avoid long queues and board the plane early.
Expriences
- John Travolta : Known for his passion for aviation, John Travolta once commented on the affordability and accessibility of Tigerair's domestic flights during his visits to Australia.
- Chris Hemsworth : Hemsworth appreciated Tigerair’s direct flights to regional destinations in Australia, making it easier for him to travel for his roles and personal commitments.
- Margot Robbie : The Australian actress shared her positive experience with Tigerair’s convenient scheduling and affordable prices, which helped her stay connected with family.
Interesting Facts
- Origin : Tigerair Australia was originally a subsidiary of Singapore-based Tiger Airways Holdings.
- Fleet : At its peak, Tigerair operated a fleet of 13 aircraft, primarily Airbus A320s.
- Hub : Its main hub was Melbourne Airport, with significant operations in Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
- Rebranding : In 2014, it was rebranded from Tiger Airways Australia to Tigerair Australia after being acquired by Virgin Australia.
- Ceased Operations : The airline officially ceased operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequent Flyers
- John Travolta : Enjoyed the affordability and regional connectivity.
- Chris Hemsworth : Valued the direct regional flights.
- Margot Robbie : Benefited from the airline’s convenient scheduling.
- Cate Blanchett : Used Tigerair for its accessibility to various film locations.
- Hugh Jackman : Appreciated the airline for its competitive pricing on domestic routes.
Myths
- Unsafe Flights : A common myth was that low-cost airlines like Tigerair were less safe, which is untrue as they adhered to strict safety standards.
- Hidden Fees : Many believed that Tigerair had numerous hidden fees, but most additional costs were transparent and optional.
- Poor Service : While some budget airlines have service issues, many passengers reported positive experiences with Tigerair.
Offbeat Destinations
- Coffs Harbour : Coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and marine life.
- Mackay : Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering stunning views and water activities.
- Rockhampton : Known as the beef capital of Australia, with rich history and heritage.
- Townsville : Coastal city with access to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest.
- Newcastle : Known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful coastline.
- Avalon : Secondary airport serving the Greater Melbourne area, less crowded and more accessible.
- Launceston : Tasmania’s second major city, rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.
- Whitsunday Coast : Access point to the Whitsunday Islands, popular for sailing and marine activities.
- Mildura : Renowned for its wineries, fresh produce, and the mighty Murray River.
- Hervey Bay : Famous for whale watching and beautiful beaches.
Useful Resources
Awards
- Low-Cost Carrier Recognition : Tigerair Australia was frequently acknowledged for its efforts in offering competitive low fares and expanding the budget travel market within Australia.
- Customer Choice Awards : The airline occasionally received accolades and positive mentions from travel publications and customer surveys for its value-for-money services.
- Operational Milestones : The airline was noted for its successful rebranding and operational turnaround after being acquired by Virgin Australia in 2013.