Tiger Airways to Offer $39 Fares Between Melbourne & Sydney

It appears the domestic airline competition in Australia is about to really heat up:

FOR 18 months it has been throwing a bevy of light jabs at its ominous opposition, punching well above its weight and attempting to niggle at its foes.

But today, Tiger Airways will land its first big blow – launching flights, with very low fares, between Melbourne and Sydney, the world’s third busiest travel route, reports The Daily Telegraph.

The Singapore-funded carrier will begin four daily services on the route, attempting to steal away passengers from rivals Virgin Blue and Jetstar and cement its place on the Australian aviation scene.

Its fare offering, starting at $39 each way, including tax and charges, is set to create yet another price war on the route, as the incumbents fight to protect their market.

Tiger Airways managing director Shelley Roberts said yesterday the airline expected to add more than 500,000 passengers to the route in its first year, before launching more flights.

Gate crashing Tiger Airways’ Sydney debut will be another new entrant to the city – the world’s biggest airline, Delta.  [The Daily Telegraph]

I have flown Tiger Airways before and they are able to offer these low fares because of cuts in cabin food service and a very low weight allowance for your bags.  If you are not carrying much luggage and bring a snack with you on the plane, Tiger can offer you some big savings.