Tigerair to focus on Clark next year

MANILA, Philippines - Low cost carrier Tiger Airways Philippines is set to focus its resources on transforming the Clark International Airport in Pampanga to complement its operations at the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

Tigerair president and chief executive officer Olive Ramos said the budget airline intends to mount more flights including direct flights to Incheon, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan via the international gateway in the former US military airbase in Pampanga early next year.

 â€œI am very hopeful about next year and I am very hopeful about the potential of Clark international airport,” Ramos said.

She pointed out that the airport in Pampanga is less congested compared to NAIA.

“Tigerair will maximize their presence in Clark and as a hub for its flights because of its ideal location. Unlike NAIA in Metro Manila, it is not as busy and congested,” Ramos said.

Tigerair currently flies to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok with domestic flights to Kalibo and Davao City via the Clark International Airport.

According to her, Tigerair is focusing in Clark because of its potentials as a gateway to the North as it is operating as a Freeport zone making operations less costly for carriers.

“Operating in Clark offers many incentives, such the fuel is tax free, and fuel is 60 to 70 percent of the cost of operating carriers, that is why it is cheaper to fly out of Clark,” she explained.

Tigerair operates its Manila-Cebu, Manila-Davao, Manila-Tacloban, Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Iloilo, Manila-Kalibo, and Manila-Puerto Princesa flights via the NAIA Terminal 4 in Manila.

It also operates Manila-Phuket flights at the NAIA4 and Kalibo – Singapore flights via the Kalibo International Airport. The low cost carrier is also looking at flying to Macau via NAIA 4.

Tigerair, established in 2004, is a leading Singapore-based no frills airline that offers affordable travel options and a seamless customer experience.Tigerair comprises four airlines, namely Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Australia, Tigerair Philippines and Tigerair Mandala.

Collectively, Tigerair’s network extends to over 50 destinations across 13 countries in the Asia Pacific. As at Aug. 31, it operates a fleet of 48 Airbus A320 averaging less than three years of age.