Tiger Airways selects new Airbus A320s

Tiger Airways, a Singapore based budget airline, has selected new Airbus A320s, powered by IAE V2500 engines, for its fleet. The airline said it expects to take delivery of its first four aircraft in the second half of 2004. The four aircraft will be on lease, and will seat 180 passengers in a single cabin configuration.

Mr Patrick Gan, the newly appointed chief executive of Tiger, said that the selection of new Airbus A320s followed a rigorous assessment and request for proposal process focused on the airline's planned route network and low cost structure.

"The Airbus A320 was the clear choice for Tiger's operations and low fare offering. With new aircraft, we will benefit from simplicity in operations, better fuel efficiencies and lower maintenance costs," said Mr Gan. "These cost savings will be passed on to our customers. Tiger will offer the lowest possible fares across its network. Also, our customers will enjoy the comfort and the safety and reliability of a new and modern aircraft."

"The decision to operate new aircraft is in line with our aim to set the highest operating standard for the region's budget carriers, by offering the lowest fares without compromising the passengers' inflight experience."

The airline's application for its Airline Operators' Certificate is currently being processed.

Tiger Airways will be based at Singapore Changi Airport. Tiger's founding partners are Singapore Airlines, Temasek Holdings, Indigo Partners LLC (the aviation partnership of David Bonderman, Bill Franke and Stephen Johnson) and Irelandia Investments Limited (the private investment arm of Tony Ryan and his family). Dr Tony Ryan is best known as the founder of Ryanair, the highly successful low-cost carrier based in Dublin.