Tiger Airways Commences Flights to Coffs Harbour

First NSW Intrastate Route Between Sydney and Coffs Harbour Begins Today
 Five Weekly Return Services Provide Up To 1800 Visitor Seats Weekly

Tiger Airways

Tiger Airways has commenced flying between Sydney and Coffs Harbour, marking the airline's first ever intrastate New South Wales route.

Tiger's arrival provides four weekly return services initially, with an additional fifth Saturday service commencing from 31 March 2013 onwards. Collectively this will provide up to 1,800 visitor seats weekly through Sydney and Coffs Harbour airports.

At an event at Sydney Airport today, Tiger Airways Australia Commercial Director, Carly Brear said that the launch of the new Coffs Harbour route once again demonstrates that Tiger is listening and responding to consumers as the airline continues to expand its services around Australia.

"Coffs Harbour and Coffs Coast is a great tourism destination for leisure seekers with a fantastic year round climate, superb resorts and classic Australian surf beaches.

"Tiger will be the only low fare operator on the Sydney - Coffs Harbour route and we're confident our services will prove popular, stimulating demand and providing significant tourism and economic benefits to both destinations."

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, welcomed the announcement of the Coffs Harbour service by Tiger Airways adding that it is not only good for the city of Coffs Harbour, but for regional tourism generally.

"The more people we can bring to and from regional centres safely and efficiently, the more the regions will benefit economically. I expect Coffs Harbour and surrounding environs to experience an economic upturn as a result of this service."

Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser added "As Member for Coffs Harbour and a long-time resident, I am absolutely delighted that Tiger Airways has chosen my town in which to run its first ever intrastate service in New South Wales. It will bring undoubted economic benefits to the region, and it will make travel between Sydney and Coffs Harbour easier and more accessible for local residents. This is a fantastic announcement."

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight, said "This is yet another endorsement of Coffs Harbour as a major regional hub and is further proof that the Coffs Coast is 'coming of age' as a major Australian regional destination. Having around 70,000 more visitors flying in every year - on top of the 350,000 passengers the airport already handles - is going to have a major impact on our local economy as a whole. But it works both ways - this is a great opportunity for people who may not have been here before to experience the wonderful family-friendly welcome we offer. So I'd urge people to bring their whole families to experience the taste and flavour of the Coffs Coast."

Sydney Airport chief executive officer, Kerrie Mather congratulated Tiger for its ongoing network expansion and marking its first route to regional NSW.

"Tiger continues to expand its regional and interstate network and this Coffs Harbour service is a fantastic boost to tourism in northern NSW," Ms Mather said.

The Nationals' Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, welcomed the inaugural flight. "This is an excellent development for the Mid North Coast. The more airlines using Coffs Harbour airport for regular flights, the better. Tiger's lower fares should create new marketing opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sectors, with the prospect of more jobs," he said.

Today's news closely follows a number of other new route announcements from Tiger Airways with new services between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne and Alice Springs, Sydney and Alice Springs, and Sydney and Cairns all commencing in late March and early April 2013.

The key to securing the best value deals with Tiger Airways is to plan ahead and book early. There are thousands of value airfares available now on the Sydney - Coffs Harbour route from just $59.95* Visit www.tigerairways.com for details.
  
Key facts:
-       Four weekly return services between Sydney and Coffs Harbour commence from today and are now on sale from just $59.95.*
-       An additional fifth Saturday service will begin from 31 March 2013 onwards.
-       Flights generally depart Sydney Airport and arrive at Coffs Harbour Airport early afternoon and return from Coffs Harbour mid-afternoon to arrive into Sydney late afternoon.  
-       The new services will provide up to 1,800 additional visitor seats weekly through Coffs Harbour and Sydney airports.
-       Tiger Airways Australia currently employs more than 350 people in various roles including cabin crew, pilots, management and through maintenance and ground handling partnerships.
-       Around 20 new jobs will be created at Coffs Harbour Airport in ground handling roles to facilitate the new services.
-       In further growth news, Tiger Airways Australia has recently announced four new routes (Melbourne - Sunshine Coast, Melbourne - Alice Springs, Sydney - Alice Springs and Sydney - Cairns) commencing late March/early April. The airline now has 16 routes across Australia on sale.
-       Tiger is soon to celebrate flying its 10 millionth passenger in Australia (since operations first commenced in November 2007) later this month.
-       Tiger Airways Australia currently has 11 A320 aircraft deployed in Australia.
-       Tiger Airways currently has 16 popular domestic routes on sale.
-       Further developments from Tiger Airways Australia to be announced in due course. 
  
*RAW FARE CONDITIONS:  Tiger "Raw" domestic fares are the lowest available single price fare from Tiger Airways Australia with hand luggage only and are fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Tiger "Raw" domestic fares must be purchased on line using a MasterCard debit card issued by an Australian financial institution. 

Please see the Tiger Airways website for full terms and conditions associated with this week's sale (visit www.tigerairways.com). The Tiger "Raw" domestic fare does not incur the $8.50 convenience fee for credit card purchases (per flight, per sector). Fare is for travel one-way, hand luggage only. Seats are limited and may not be available for travel during peak periods or on all flights, public holidays or certain blackout periods or once sold out. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable except as provided in the Conditions of Carriage. Promotions may be modified or cancelled without prior notice. Refer to www.tigerairways.com for more information.