VH-Cheer Up
1st Sep 2004, 01:38
08.30.2004, 05:47 AM (USA)
From AP via Forbes.Com
Tiger Airways, Singapore's newest budget airline, launched a price war Monday, offering one-way flights to its three maiden Thai destinations for just 58 cents.
Although the discounted tickets are promotional fares, the rock-bottom rates underscore the fast-rising competition in the region's no-frills sector even as more rivals are set to take to the skies.
"We have clearly proven that we are serious about being the low-cost carrier," said Chief Executive Patrick Gan. "Tiger Airways is delivering on its promise of low fares."
The new airline, which will launch its first flight to the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Sept. 15, is an offshoot of national flag-carrier Singapore Airlines.
Its shareholders include the Ryan family, founders of leading Irish discount carrier Ryanair, and Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government's powerful investment arm.
Tiger said Monday the 58 cent fares would apply during its first weeks of flying to Bangkok from Sept. 15, the southern Thai town of Hatyai from Sept. 22, and the resort island of Phuket from Sept. 29.
The promotional fares must be booked online, and don't include fees for airport charges and insurance.
About a third of the company's seats in its first week of flying to each destination will be sold for S$1, with the remainder going for between $23 and $82 euro 68).
Low-cost air travel has started to mushroom in Asia in recent years, belatedly matching the rapid growth in the United States and Europe.
Malaysia's AirAsia has made the most aggressive start and now operates a growing network of domestic and international routes.
In Singapore, low-cost Valuair started flying in May and serves Bangkok, Jakarta and Hong Kong. Australia's Qantas Airways plans a Singapore-based discount airline by year-end.
From AP via Forbes.Com
Tiger Airways, Singapore's newest budget airline, launched a price war Monday, offering one-way flights to its three maiden Thai destinations for just 58 cents.
Although the discounted tickets are promotional fares, the rock-bottom rates underscore the fast-rising competition in the region's no-frills sector even as more rivals are set to take to the skies.
"We have clearly proven that we are serious about being the low-cost carrier," said Chief Executive Patrick Gan. "Tiger Airways is delivering on its promise of low fares."
The new airline, which will launch its first flight to the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Sept. 15, is an offshoot of national flag-carrier Singapore Airlines.
Its shareholders include the Ryan family, founders of leading Irish discount carrier Ryanair, and Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government's powerful investment arm.
Tiger said Monday the 58 cent fares would apply during its first weeks of flying to Bangkok from Sept. 15, the southern Thai town of Hatyai from Sept. 22, and the resort island of Phuket from Sept. 29.
The promotional fares must be booked online, and don't include fees for airport charges and insurance.
About a third of the company's seats in its first week of flying to each destination will be sold for S$1, with the remainder going for between $23 and $82 euro 68).
Low-cost air travel has started to mushroom in Asia in recent years, belatedly matching the rapid growth in the United States and Europe.
Malaysia's AirAsia has made the most aggressive start and now operates a growing network of domestic and international routes.
In Singapore, low-cost Valuair started flying in May and serves Bangkok, Jakarta and Hong Kong. Australia's Qantas Airways plans a Singapore-based discount airline by year-end.