TIGER QUITS CITY
SHOCK DECISION SEES TOWNSVILLE LOSE DIRECT LINK WITH MELBOURNE
TIGERAIR Australia has dropped its direct Townsville- Melbourne service just over 12 months after it started.
The airline announced yesterday it would stop the service from August 1 and passengers booked after that date would be offered alternative flights, via Brisbane and Sydney, with other airlines.
“If an alternative flight is not suitable, guests will be offered a full refund,” a Tigerair spokesperson said.
State Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones told the Bulletin she understood Tiger’s decision to axe the route was due to a “shortage” of aircraft. “Like everyone in Townsville I’m disappointed that Tiger have made this decision because of their lack of planes,” she said.
The Tigerair spokesman would not confirm whether the route was cancelled because of a shortage of aircraft.
The spokesman said the airline made the decision to withdraw as part of its ongoing focus on delivering a national flight network and schedule that were closely aligned with operational requirements, demand and market dynamics.
Townsville Enterprise director policy and investment Michael McMillan said the announcement was disappointing.
A LACK of planes is being blamed for Townsville losing a direct flight to Melbourne after Tigerair Australia announced the end of the service.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones told the Bulletin she understood Tiger’s decision to axe the route was due to a “shortage” of aircraft.
“Like everyone in Townsville I’m disappointed that Tiger have made this decision because of their lack of planes,” she said.
“Our expectation was that they would continue to fly, we understand they’ve made a decision in regards to shortage of aircraft.”
Ms Jones said she was told about the cancelled route, which was subsidised by the State Government, yesterday morning just hours before the airline started informing passengers.
“It’s kick in the guts to have this flight cancelled after we went out of our way with real money,” she said.
“We understand that this flight was working well and we want to work with other airlines to get more flights.”
Yesterday’s decision to cut the flights left Townsville people frustrated.
One of those, Brook Slattery, flies regularly to Melbourne each year to see her family.
“It is disappointing. I must admit I use them regularly,” she said. “Last year, I probably went nine or 10 times to Melbourne.”
Ms Slattery, along with other passengers the Bulletin spoke to was surprised by the cancellation, as she said flights were always full.
The only direct flights to Melbourne from Townsville are now with Jetstar.
Ms Slattery was worried having only one option would drive prices up.
“My whole family lives down there so it was great to have two options to fly down,” she said.
“It’s a real shame, the ( Tigerair) staff are more friendly, they’re better with the kids and overall it’s just a much nicer experience,” she said.
A Tigerair spokesman said the airline made the decision to withdraw as part of their ongoing focus on delivering a national flight network and schedule that were closely aligned with operational requirements, demand and market dynamics.
The spokesman would not confirm whether the route was cancelled because of a shortage of aircraft.
They also did not directly answer a question on if there was a possibility Tigerair would return to Townsville.
“Tigerair is always focused on providing our customers with affordable, reliable air travel and a friendly service,” the spokesman said.
“We will continue to moni- tor demand and market dynamics in all parts of Australia, including far north Queensland, to make sure we are offering the best possible network and schedule to our customers.”
The spokesman said guests booked to travel on their services from August 1 onwards would be notified by the airline and be re- accommodated on other flights, via Sydney and Brisbane, where available.
“If an alternative flight is not suitable, guests will be offered a full refund,” the spokesman said.
“Tigerair is contacting all affected guests to provide alternative options for travel.”
Townsville Enterprise director – policy and investment Michael McMillan said the news was disappointing.
“Over the past 12 months, since this route was established, Townsville Enterprise has worked in close partnership with Tigerair, Townsville City Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Townsville Airport on several campaigns promoting the service and the Townsville North Queensland destination to southern markets,” he said.
“As a direct result of this campaign activity Tigerair has seen the route deliver 66 per cent inbound travellers to Townsville and an additional 4000- plus visitors travelling from Melbourne to Townsville across a six- week period, attributing an additional $ 3.2 million into our local economy.”