Fourth carrier to operate Sydney-Perth

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Tigerair Australia will begin flights between Sydney and Perth in December in a move that will provide competition for its majority shareholder, Virgin Australia, in addition to Jetstar and Qantas.

The budget carrier, 60% owned by Virgin, will operate up to six weekly A320 flights from December 19. The route will complement Tigerair’s existing twice daily Melbourne-Perth services.

But analysts told the Sydney Morning Herald that Virgin risked losing passengers to Tigerair as they are more price sensitive to those who fly Qantas.

The flights will provide 2160 weekly additional seats on an already congested route, with Commonwealth Bank analyst Matt Crowe expressing surprise at the launch given the mining slowdown in WA.

“It fits with Virgin’s original claim that they were going to put Tiger into new markets but from an industry point of view we would like to see less capacity come into the market,” he told the SMH.

Tigerair Australia commercial director, Carly Brear, said the launch followed demand from WA travellers.

“We’re regularly asked by the travelling public in WA to provide more services,” she said. “This is great news for leisure seekers on a budget and will provide a welcome boost for tourism in West Australia and New South Wales.”

Introductory fares of $109.95 for travel in February and March go on sale today.

Flights depart Sydney at 7.55pm or 9.55pm and arrive in Perth at 9.55pm or 11.55pm. The return departs Perth at 10.50pm or 1am, arrriving in Sydney at 6.05am or 8.15am.

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