Tigerair Australia calls on Sydney Airport for a "fair go"

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Constraints at Sydney Airport during peak periods are disadvantaging Tigerair Australia, the  airline has claimed as it called for “fair and reasonable” access to available infrastructure.

Currently, the low cost carrier has limited access to hard stand gates in peak periods meaning it must bus its passengers to “remote” aircraft bays. It also complained of access to a restricted number of check-in counters and “unresolved issues” regarding investment in improved check-in technology.

Chief executive Rob Sharpe was optimistic about the long term plan for the airport under its 30 year Master Plan, but said the constraints are impacting the carrier and its customers in the short to medium term.

“As a relatively new entrant at Sydney Airport, Tigerair currently operates in an environment where the infrastructure is increasingly constrained,” he said.

“This has a major impact on the experience of our customers, increases operating costs and limits future expansion opportunities.

“For Tigerair to compete effectively at Sydney Airport and pass on those benefits to the travelling public, fair and reasonable access to available infrastructure, particularly at demand-driven times of day, is crucial.”

Sharpe urged Sydney Airport to give Tigerair Australia a “fair go” to allow it to effectively compete.

While negotiations with the airport are “ongoing”, if an agreement is not reached, Sharpe confirmed it will move towards an arbitration process.

The airline has called on the National Competition Council (NCC) to recommend that domestic terminal service at Sydney Airport’s terminal 2 be “declared” under Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA).

The low fares carrier has had a base at the airport since 2012, with four aircraft currently based there.

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