Tiger Roars Into Alice Springs With Two New Services

Tiger Airways Australia has celebrated a return to one of Australia's most iconic destinations, with new services commencing from both Sydney and Melbourne which touched down in Alice Springs at around 9:30am and 11:20am April 9th local time, respectively.

The airline's return to Central Australia comes as the Northern Territory industry is calling out for more flights off the back of growing demand from both local and international visitors.

Tiger Airways Australia Commercial Director, Carly Brear, says the airline is responding to overwhelming demand for Tiger's services to the Red Centre.

"Demand from visitors and residents alike for low cost services to Alice Springs has been exceptionally strong. Alice Springs won our recent online voting poll calling for Australians to vote where Tiger should fly to next and we're thrilled to be announcing not one, but two new low cost services to a community that currently lacks low cost options and also heavily relies on tourism.

"Air access is critical to Alice Springs and our two new routes will provide 2880 additional visitor seats weekly through Alice Springs airport. There are so many tourism draw-cards that the region has to offer, being a gateway to the iconic Uluru and home to many of Australia's greatest outback experiences.

"After responding to a huge groundswell of support for Tiger's return, we hope local Alice Springs residents take advantage of our great value fares to Sydney and Melbourne," said Miss Brear.

"Think what a difference those additional seats on these routes can make," said the Territory's Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan.

"To all Australians who haven't explored this particular part of their own backyard, I say there's never been a better time to do so, with Tiger Airways flying from Melbourne and Sydney four times a week."

NT Airports Director of Airline and Airport Services, Jim Parashos, says the return of Tiger Airways to Central Australia is exciting news for tourism operators in the region.

"Visitors once again have that cost-effective option for exploring Alice Springs and the Red Centre," he said. "This is a development that presents huge opportunities for the local tourism industry."

In further growth related news for the airline, Tiger Airways Australia recently celebrated flying its 10 millionth passenger in Australia and launched new services between Sydney and Coffs Harbour in February, between Melbourne and Sunshine Coast on 27 March and last week launched the new Sydney - Cairns route.


Key facts:

-          Four weekly return services between Melbourne and Alice Springs launch today and are on sale today from midday (AEST) from just  $59.95* each way.
-          Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays depart from Melbourne at around 9am and return from Alice Springs at around midday.
-          Four weekly return services between Sydney and Alice Springs launch today and are on sale from midday (AEST) today until midday tomorrow from just $59.95*.
-          Flights are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and depart Sydney early in the morning (at around 6:40am) and return from Alice Springs mid -morning (around 10am).
-          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 Alice Springs Airport in ground handling roles to facilitate the new services.
-          Tiger Airways Australia currently has 11 A320 aircraft deployed in Australia.
-          Tiger Airways currently has 16 popular domestic routes on sale (including the new routes to Alice Springs announced today).