[GCS]

Tiger's first Australian domestic route will be Melbourne to Darwin (initial fare $79 one way including taxes).

This will link to flights from Darwin to Singapore (initial fare for Melbourne/Singapore return $499 including taxes).

Welcome to Tiger Airways

[littl_flier]

It's an interesting routing but does make sense. I'm suprised at the price though, not quite as cheap as I thought for an "initial" fare. I can only presume they will offer a cheaper fare as part of a pre-sale.

[fortymilliondaggers]

You're right, it's not exciting, but I thnk you're right about a later pre-sale special because I haven't received any emails yet. Still, $80 to Darwin is quite good though. Just wish I could fly now and get some warmer weather.

[danielribo]

Little bit of a let down, but I get the feeling this is a "pre-launch launch". MEL-DRW for $79 is (considering the length of the flight) pretty good value and to link it to SIN for $499 return (especially considering the excellent connection timings) is an excellent deal.

They picked a route that's hard to discount due to its length, even at $79 I doubt they'd be making any money.

I think there's still more bite left in the Tiger...

[littl_flier]

Originally Posted by danielribo

MEL-DRW for $79 is (considering the length of the flight) ......... They picked a route that's hard to discount due to its length, even at $79 I doubt they'd be making any money.

I tend to agree, I work on a principle of $50 per hour (full service carrier though & long haul international) so at under $20 per hour and a large portion of taxes, its reasonable but not earthshattering. However, when JQ launched there were $29 airfares BNE/SYD-CNS (2.5 and 3 hour flights vs. 4 hrs), and we've been promised the ability to compete with JQ's recent $3 sale. Ok, these were short routes but still.... It will be interesting to see what happens on MEL-SYD.

[d15.in.oz]

Originally Posted by danielribo

"pre-launch launch"...

Tiger's pricing strategy has not previously been "sale" oriented. Each month they simply release a bunch of fares into the market, and as the cheaper fares sell out, they are not replaced. Consider WalMart's - everyday low prices.

But then Tiger's strategy has never involved connecting flights before coming to Australia, so...

$79 is a key JQ 90 minute flight, lead in fare, price point!

[fortymilliondaggers]

I'm looking forward to some competition on the Canberra/Sydney-Melbourne route which is currently a QF & DJ duopoly. Avalon is to Melbourne what Newcastle (Williamtown) is to Sydney so Jetstar, who consider themselves the only truly low cost airline in Australai up until now, hardly factor into the equation on Australia's busiest flightpath.

[GCS]

Jetstar now has flights for $79 MEL to DRW. Surprise surprise.

[littl_flier]

Originally Posted by GCS

Jetstar now has flights for $79 MEL to DRW. Surprise surprise.

Otherwise "double the difference" could have become quite expensive.

[stryker]

Originally Posted by fortymilliondaggers

I'm looking forward to some competition on the Canberra/Sydney-Melbourne route which is currently a QF & DJ duopoly.

You won't see any competition out of CBR I'm afraid.