Tigerair Closes Down Operations
Budget airline Tigerair, one of Australia’s domestic operators which was a subsidiary of Virgin Australia has officially ceased operations. This was first announced on August 5th and was a result of the unfortunate downturn in the aviation sector. Virgin Australia fully acquired Tigerair in 2014 and Bain Capital, Virgin Australia’s new owners have decided to shut the brand down.
Australian airlines have had an exceptionally rough time during the pandemic. The country still has restrictions on passenger visits from other countries. Additionally, state borders within the country are also closed for free movement.
To read our report on how the Australian aviation industry is reeling under the crisis, CLICK HERE
Tigerair’s end
Tigerair operated its final flight in the month of March 2020. However, at that time, few would have imagined that the airline would no longer fly again. The airline’s Facebook page was recently taken down. This was one of the final steps taken to wind down the airline.
The budget airline was facing severe headwinds with the onset of COVID-19 and the travel restrictions during the pandemic. Due to this, operations were suspended in the month of March. However, at that time, there was no clarity to the full extent and ramifications of the crisis. The airline itself had termed the suspension of operations as ‘temporary.’
In June, Virgin Australia which had acquired Tigerair in 2014, announced that Bain Capital was the preferred party to buy the struggling mother airline. Tigerair was to be bundled along with Virgin Australia in the deal.
Need a break? Find great deals on hotels in your state with Tripadvisor
The axing of Tigerair was part of Virgin Australia’s plan to emerge as “a stronger, more profitable and competitive” carrier. Its new owners had to make difficult decisions to either rebuild the carrier or wind it down. In the month of August, a Virgin Australia statement said the following:
“The Tigerair brand will be discontinued as there is not sufficient customer demand to support two carriers at this time. Tigerair Australia’s Air Operator Certificate will be retained to support optionality to operate an ultra-low-cost carrier in the future when the domestic market can support it.”
What next?
The saving grace for the passengers with bookings is that Tigerair travel credit can be used on flights operated by the Virgin Australia network.
With the exit of Tigerair, Qantas-owned Jetstar is now the only low-cost airline in Australia.
Best Things to do in Sydney, CLICK HERE
Will you be sad to see Tigerair go? Share your experiences, good and bad, by leaving a comment.
To book your air tickets, we recommend Jetradar.
Jetradar is a leading flight search engine that allows users to compare airfares from 726 airlines and travel agencies in order to find the cheapest tickets. It seamlessly integrates flights and hotel bookings, if so desired. CLICK HERE to try it.
