![\"\"](\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_OY-0d2rKv_Q\/RylMRVMUHNI\/AAAAAAAABlw\/tXwy_8EdtT8\/s1600-h\/_MG_5263-737247.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTiger Airways has selected Melbourne Airport as the base for its Australian operations.<\/p>\n
Tiger Airways\u2019 decision is a major coup for Melbourne and Victoria, with Melbourne selected after detailed discussions between Tiger Airways and the airports and governments of a number of Australian states and territories.<\/p>\n
The airline will base its Australian domestic operations in Melbourne \u2013 providing a significant new addition to the 12,000 staff currently located within the Melbourne Airport precinct.<\/p>\n
Acting Melbourne Airport CEO Kirby Clark said Tiger\u2019s decision was a testament to the growth opportunities Melbourne had presented to the low-cost airline, along with a strong \u2018Team Victoria\u2019 approach the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport had taken with their proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted that Tiger has selected Melbourne Airport as the base for its Australian operations. This is a major win for this airport, this city, and this state,\u201d said Mr Clark. \u201cTiger being based in Melbourne will greatly support Victoria\u2019s sporting and cultural events calendar, which is conversely a key reason it chose to base its domestic operations here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTiger\u2019s decision reflects on the innovative, cooperative approach we take to working with our current and potential partners. We continue to provide stable low international and domestic airline charges \u2013 the lowest of any airport in Australia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will now work closely with Tiger Airways to prepare for the commencement of the airline\u2019s low-cost operations, which will be supported by our excellent car parking and hotels, and only 20kms from the CBD,\u201d said Mr Clark.<\/p>\n
In speaking of the reasons Tiger selected Melbourne, Tiger Airways CEO Mr Tony Davis said: \u201cTiger was particularly attracted to Victoria because of its skills base, the flexibility offered by Melbourne Airport, the State\u2019s approach to marketing and major events, as well as the positive approach to the negotiations by the State Government and Melbourne Airport.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a proven low cost carrier with Tiger-like plans for Australia and I am sure the Victorian and Australian public will welcome the competition we will bring to the market,\u201d said Mr Davis.<\/p>\n