Tiger CEO sets a serious challenge for the travel industry – exclusive Global Travel Media TV interview with Andrew David, CEO Tiger Airways
With Tiger Airways new CEO Andrew David [pictured ] in Cairns last week to relaunch the airline’s Melbourne services into Tropical North Queensland, Global Travel Media TV’s John Alwyn-Jones also in Cairns to shoot an on location programme, it seemed like meeting up with Andrew to have a chat was too good an opportunity to miss.
So, that is exactly what I did……and you can see and hear what he had to say, including his challenge to the travel industry, by clicking on the video box below.
In the meantime, the region is clearly delighted that Tiger is resuming flights between Melbourne and Cairns following its grounding last year, especially now with daytime services, with TTNQ Rob Giason telling me that he saw the reintroduction of Tiger’s services to TNQ as a significant step forward in the provision of aviation services to Cairns and also highly significant in boosting business from Melbourne at what appear to be very reasonable prices. Tiger is offering sale fares on the daily service from $99.95, with it is anticipated Sydney services to Cairns to follow soon, when the airline establishes its newly announced Sydney base.
Andrew David also said the return to Cairns was another milestone for the carrier, adding that in 2011 Cairns was voted the fastest growing domestic route in Australia, with Tiger responding to customer demand, while also helping to level the competitive playing field.
He added that many other destinations around Australia were keen for Tiger’s return and he would be making further announcements in due course.
With the airline grounded last year for safety reasons, it has reported a loss of $17.4 million for the quarter ending December 31 2011, which was reportedly as a result of its grounding and reduced operations in Australia, compared to a profit of $22.5 million for the same quarter the previous year.
I asked Andrew about his ongoing plans for taking Tiger Airways forward in its new future in Australia and in particular where he thought the travel industry fitted into his plans.
You can see his response below by clicking on the video box below and also his challenge to the Australian travel industry and especially the agency community…….you should not miss this!
Exclusive Report and Interview by John Alwyn-Jones, Global Travel Media TV Special Correspondent
