This was published 8 years ago
Tigerair Australia to Bali flights: Airline unveils Boeing 737 for routes
By Craig Platt
Tigerair's Boeing 737 will fly from Australia to Bali.
Tigerair has unveiled the first of three Boeing 737-800s that will be used to fly its first international short-haul routes.
The airline will begin direct flights to Bali on March 23 from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth and has recruited more than 100 new cabin crew in preparation for the new routes.
The three 737s are being provided by parent Virgin Australia's fleet and will be reconfigured and rebranded to the livery and interiors of Tigerair. The planes will have an all-economy class fit out, with 180 seats including five rows of 'extra legroom' seating (including the exit rows) that can be reserved at an additional charge (from $30).
Tigerair 737. The plane will feature an all-economy class fit out with 180 seats.
Tigerair is currently promoting one-way fares to Bali Fares from Melbourne staring from $169, Adelaide from $139 and from Perth from $119.
The budget carrier is replacing parent Virgin Australia's flights on the routes as Virgin looks to stem losses in its international business. Tigerair will now compete directly with Qantas' budget offshoot Jetstar on the leisure flights to the Asian holiday hotspot.
Victoria Minister for Industry Lily D'Ambrosio welcomed the new services.
"Tigerair's new international service to Bali from Melbourne Airport will create 70 new full time jobs and boost Victoria's economy," she said.
"We are working to create jobs and grow Victoria's aviation industry, which is worth more than $1 billion to the state's economy."
While Tigerair reported that last year it had "significantly enhanced on time performance, industry lowest cancellation rates and customer satisfaction service levels that are stronger than ever" the Airline Customer Advocate's annual report released in May last year revealed the airline received far more complaints about its service than its rivals.
Just last week an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation found the airline had misled customers over its travel insurance, which is pre-ticked on its website when travellers book a flight. ASIC found customers were not covered for expenses in the case of flight cancellations or delays, contrary to the airline's claims.
See also: Why people should stop whinging about budget airlines
See also: Qantas named world's safest airline again for 2016
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.