Tiger Airways may faces being grounded after safety breaches
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Tiger Airways may faces being grounded after safety breaches
BUDGET airline Tiger Airways is at risk of being grounded by the aviation regulator after a series of serious safety and maintenance breaches. In a bombshell for the airline industry, it has emerged the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued Tiger with a "show cause" notice on March 23. The airline had 21 days to respond.
It is the most serious action taken by CASA against a major Australian airline since Ansett was hit with a similar warning in 2001, just months before it went bankrupt.
The explosive revelation comes as Tiger - which carries about 600,000 passengers a year - and other airlines brace for one of their busiest flying periods, the Easter break.
The Herald Sun has learned that in a sternly worded letter to Tiger's Melbourne-based management, CASA raised concerns the cut-price carrier wasn't following proper procedures to ensure utmost safety of passengers.
The regulator demanded urgent answers amid concerns pilot training standards had slipped and short cuts had been taken on maintenance and other operations.
The airline, which has triggered a price war with Qantas and Virgin forcing them to drop their domestic fares by 30 per cent, is one step away from losing its flying licence.
Since its entry to Australia in 2007, Tiger has concentrated on tourism and undercut its competitors with "special" fares including 1c flights.
But the price war with Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin has sparked concerns that passenger safety and pilot training was taking a back seat to the need to maintain profitability.
Airline industry sources say the sector has been rife with rumours that Tiger "cuts corners".
In a statement last night, Tiger Airways said it "has a policy of not commenting on dealings between the airline and the regulators".
"However, last month, CASA asked Tiger to clarify certain matters, which Tiger has responded to in full," the statement said. "Safety underpins Tiger's operations at all times."
The explosive revelations come at the worst time for the aviation sector with the big players battling soaring fuel costs and predictions of reduced profits.
Queensland's deadly floods and Cyclone Yasi have also triggered a slump in tourism numbers, contributing to the sombre outlook for the airline industry.
The tough market has forced Tiger to defer the introduction of new aircraft to bolster its fleet of 10 planes flying between the major capital cities and tourism havens such as Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.
Tiger's management will almost certainly be dragged before a parliamentary inquiry into pilot training and airline safety.
The Senate committee has heard serious allegations of cost-cutting by airlines - many of which are struggling to stay afloat.
For the past two years, Tiger has been ranked last in the Choice survey of domestic airlines. Its on-time record last year was 72 per cent. It operates about 100 flights a week in Australia but customers have complained of long delays and regular cancellations.
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This is from the Herald Sun, possibly the worst source of reliable information in existance so take with half a grain of salt.
Having said that, anyone got real facts?
Obviously Tiger don't have Chaimans Lounge
edit- I just copied the title straight from the article. Unlike this so called 'journalist' I completed primary school.
It is the most serious action taken by CASA against a major Australian airline since Ansett was hit with a similar warning in 2001, just months before it went bankrupt.
The explosive revelation comes as Tiger - which carries about 600,000 passengers a year - and other airlines brace for one of their busiest flying periods, the Easter break.
The Herald Sun has learned that in a sternly worded letter to Tiger's Melbourne-based management, CASA raised concerns the cut-price carrier wasn't following proper procedures to ensure utmost safety of passengers.
The regulator demanded urgent answers amid concerns pilot training standards had slipped and short cuts had been taken on maintenance and other operations.
The airline, which has triggered a price war with Qantas and Virgin forcing them to drop their domestic fares by 30 per cent, is one step away from losing its flying licence.
Since its entry to Australia in 2007, Tiger has concentrated on tourism and undercut its competitors with "special" fares including 1c flights.
But the price war with Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin has sparked concerns that passenger safety and pilot training was taking a back seat to the need to maintain profitability.
Airline industry sources say the sector has been rife with rumours that Tiger "cuts corners".
In a statement last night, Tiger Airways said it "has a policy of not commenting on dealings between the airline and the regulators".
"However, last month, CASA asked Tiger to clarify certain matters, which Tiger has responded to in full," the statement said. "Safety underpins Tiger's operations at all times."
The explosive revelations come at the worst time for the aviation sector with the big players battling soaring fuel costs and predictions of reduced profits.
Queensland's deadly floods and Cyclone Yasi have also triggered a slump in tourism numbers, contributing to the sombre outlook for the airline industry.
The tough market has forced Tiger to defer the introduction of new aircraft to bolster its fleet of 10 planes flying between the major capital cities and tourism havens such as Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.
Tiger's management will almost certainly be dragged before a parliamentary inquiry into pilot training and airline safety.
The Senate committee has heard serious allegations of cost-cutting by airlines - many of which are struggling to stay afloat.
For the past two years, Tiger has been ranked last in the Choice survey of domestic airlines. Its on-time record last year was 72 per cent. It operates about 100 flights a week in Australia but customers have complained of long delays and regular cancellations.
--------------------------------------------------------
This is from the Herald Sun, possibly the worst source of reliable information in existance so take with half a grain of salt.
Having said that, anyone got real facts?
Obviously Tiger don't have Chaimans Lounge
edit- I just copied the title straight from the article. Unlike this so called 'journalist' I completed primary school.
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Saw this on Business Spectator too this morning however there seems to be more depth on Sandilands about what really happened.
Nothing in the Oz or SMH.
A Tiger hunt is in full cry in Australia this morning | Plane Talking
Nothing in the Oz or SMH.
A Tiger hunt is in full cry in Australia this morning | Plane Talking
When you live....
A spokesperson worse than wirth
Tigers spokes-lass on ABC Melbourne radio this morning was far far worse than Oliva Wirth. Memorable highlights included:
"I'm not privy to what the show cause was for"
"I can't tell you anyway as confidentiality applies between Tiger and CASA"
"I'm confident that passengers will vote with their feet" - yes, away from Tiger
"CASA has taken no action" - yes they have, they issued a show cause notice and are still reviewing your response.
And best of all was blaming the senate enquiry for CASA doing anything at all because, well, obviously their is attention on the industry.
UTR
"I'm not privy to what the show cause was for"
"I can't tell you anyway as confidentiality applies between Tiger and CASA"
"I'm confident that passengers will vote with their feet" - yes, away from Tiger
"CASA has taken no action" - yes they have, they issued a show cause notice and are still reviewing your response.
And best of all was blaming the senate enquiry for CASA doing anything at all because, well, obviously their is attention on the industry.
UTR
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Negative publicity(or is it?) but with this sort of propaganda from their arch rivals fueled by concerns that Tiger is actually hurting them, it must be somewhat reassuring to Tiger and its' parents in Singapore that they are on the right track.
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CASA raised concerns the cut-price carrier wasn't following proper procedures to ensure utmost safety of passengers.
The regulator demanded urgent answers amid concerns pilot training standards had slipped and short cuts had been taken on maintenance and other operations.
The regulator demanded urgent answers amid concerns pilot training standards had slipped and short cuts had been taken on maintenance and other operations.
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You think so trevor? This has got QF/JQ written all over it.
CASA "show cause" over fixable issues has been leaked to the media, then blown out of all proportion.
This is CASAs way of saying to Tiger, start spending money and act like a real airline.
Big political hot potato if CASA grounds them.
Watch what happens to JQ asia in Singapore.
CASA "show cause" over fixable issues has been leaked to the media, then blown out of all proportion.
This is CASAs way of saying to Tiger, start spending money and act like a real airline.
Big political hot potato if CASA grounds them.
Watch what happens to JQ asia in Singapore.
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So Bogan Mover, which one is it? "QF/JQ written all over it", or CASA telling them to "start acting like a real airline"?
Typical of Dunnunda: shooting from the hip, lack of logic, contradicting yourself, cynicism...
To think that Tiger even registers on QF's radar is pretty far-fetched. As much as I hate to admit it, even JQ can hold its own against this competition.
The sad part is that QF/JQ/DJ don't even need to drum up propaganda, I'm pretty sure Tiger's PR department and reputation have got that issue sorted.
Typical of Dunnunda: shooting from the hip, lack of logic, contradicting yourself, cynicism...
To think that Tiger even registers on QF's radar is pretty far-fetched. As much as I hate to admit it, even JQ can hold its own against this competition.
The sad part is that QF/JQ/DJ don't even need to drum up propaganda, I'm pretty sure Tiger's PR department and reputation have got that issue sorted.
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Not a great effort for your first post Fritz.
It's my opinion and it's obviously stired you enough to drag you into a new PPRUNE handle.
From Sandilands link above. Did you get a chance to read it???
my bolding
And this gem from Fritz....
What rock have you been hiding under. A well publicized fare war has been going on for some time now partly due to Tigers arrival on the Australian scene.
Do you think QF would bother with this if TT wasn't on their "radar"?
It's my opinion and it's obviously stired you enough to drag you into a new PPRUNE handle.
From Sandilands link above. Did you get a chance to read it???
That notice, which has now expired, gave the airline 21 days to respond to concerns about short cuts in pilot training and safety procedures in the carrier, ruled out any need for CASA to take immediate action against the airline in the interests of public safety.
This makes the real situation quite different to the suggestions in general media stories this morning that Tiger could be grounded forthwith.
This makes the real situation quite different to the suggestions in general media stories this morning that Tiger could be grounded forthwith.
And this gem from Fritz....
To think that Tiger even registers on QF's radar is pretty far-fetched.
Do you think QF would bother with this if TT wasn't on their "radar"?
Yes Bogan, you are EXACTLY right, it IS CASA's way of telling Tiger to spend some money, but to suggest that CASA has reacted to QF/JQ is outlandishly ludicrous.
In response to Fritz you asked "do you think QF would bother with this if TT wasn't on their radar?" Would QF BOTHER WITH WHAT? Are you really suggesting Qanats has organised and rallied CASA to administer a show cause? Mate you don't belong in an adult conversation. Go and switch Play School on mate, clearly more your level. Kep your rubbish off here.
In response to Fritz you asked "do you think QF would bother with this if TT wasn't on their radar?" Would QF BOTHER WITH WHAT? Are you really suggesting Qanats has organised and rallied CASA to administer a show cause? Mate you don't belong in an adult conversation. Go and switch Play School on mate, clearly more your level. Kep your rubbish off here.
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I heard G Thomas on the radio trying to defend Tiger by basically saying a Show Cause Notice is not a big deal, and making it sound like everybody gets them. I think the last time one of the major's got one was Ansett shortly before the downfall.
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Trev.
never suggested that
A fare war.
Again. never suggested that. Tiger are obviously capable of rallying CASA for a show cause without QFs help 
Obviously hit a nerve. No need to bust a vein buddy. As i said. just my opinion and i would expect to be able to express it here and garner intelligent responses from most. you seem to be lacking that ability.
but to suggest that CASA has reacted to QF/JQ is outlandishly ludicrous
In response to Fritz you asked "do you think QF would bother with this if TT wasn't on their radar?" Would QF BOTHER WITH WHAT?
Are you really suggesting Qanats has organised and rallied CASA to administer a show cause?
Obviously hit a nerve. No need to bust a vein buddy. As i said. just my opinion and i would expect to be able to express it here and garner intelligent responses from most. you seem to be lacking that ability.
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Trevor +1
Got to agree with trevor the lover...
I imagine CASA are just sending a message to Tiger's Pommie execs, who if other airlines are anything to go by, may lay the blame on their own troops. I can't imagine KB accepting anything dodgy going on there.
I know some top blokes in Tiger, real professionals. Who spoke highly of the operation and their fellow drivers. So I hope it all works out.
I imagine CASA are just sending a message to Tiger's Pommie execs, who if other airlines are anything to go by, may lay the blame on their own troops. I can't imagine KB accepting anything dodgy going on there.
I know some top blokes in Tiger, real professionals. Who spoke highly of the operation and their fellow drivers. So I hope it all works out.
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Bogun, there is no conspiracy going on here. QF/VB/JQ couldnt give a rats about Tiger.
They dont compete at all, all they do is open the market to people that wouldnt otherwise fly. Its a flawed model downunder that may work very well in demographicly dense populations such as western europe, south east asia and north america. The model doesnt care much for repeat customers. Unfortunately, the landscape and relatively localised population in 4-5 main centres has not and may not work. I wish them luck as a game changer in this industry was/is needed, however, transposing a model and bringing in a management team that thinks they are still in the UK is probably destined to failure.
I'm not too sure about the safety issues being touted, my opinion is that Tiger are as safe as any other airline in this country. Sure they do things on the cheap, but I would be very surprised if they compromised aviation safety.
They dont compete at all, all they do is open the market to people that wouldnt otherwise fly. Its a flawed model downunder that may work very well in demographicly dense populations such as western europe, south east asia and north america. The model doesnt care much for repeat customers. Unfortunately, the landscape and relatively localised population in 4-5 main centres has not and may not work. I wish them luck as a game changer in this industry was/is needed, however, transposing a model and bringing in a management team that thinks they are still in the UK is probably destined to failure.
I'm not too sure about the safety issues being touted, my opinion is that Tiger are as safe as any other airline in this country. Sure they do things on the cheap, but I would be very surprised if they compromised aviation safety.