(Note: flights to/from Mackay are subject to regulatory approval at this time)

Hot on the heels of the recent confirmation of new direct services between Melbourne and Mackay, Tiger Airways Australia today confirms another win for North Queensland with the announcement of new direct services between Sydney and Mackay taking off from 17 December 2012.

Fares between Sydney and Mackay go on sale today after 9pm (AEST), from just $99.95.*

Up to five weekly services between Sydney and Mackay will depart Sydney Airport in the morning, returning from Mackay Airport mid-morning, providing 1800 seats weekly through Mackay Airport and Sydney Airport.

From 17 December, the new direct services between Sydney and Mackay (on days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) will complement up to four weekly return services between Melbourne and Mackay commencing 18 December, (on days Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday).

Around 20 new positions will be created at Mackay airport to facilitate Tiger’s new services to the region.

Tiger Airways Australia CEO, Andrew David, says the airline continues to spread its wings providing a welcome boost for domestic tourism and the economy.

“Tiger is expanding its paw-print around Australia and we’re thrilled to be returning to Mackay with new direct services from Australia’s two largest cities.

“As the only low fare operator providing direct services into Mackay from both Melbourne and Sydney, we’re confident these new services will prove popular.”

Mackay Airport General Manager, Rob Porter, welcomes this second announcement by Tiger in as many weeks.

“The introduction of a Sydney - Mackay service five days a week adds capacity on an important interstate route and we believe the demand is there to sustain it,” Mr Porter said.

“We have carried out lengthy negotiations with Tiger and they have also listened to the people of Mackay and now they are giving us a valuable opportunity to benefit from both the Sydney and Melbourne services, across the resources, tourism and business sectors of our region. Mackay Airport will continue to work closely with Tiger to make these new services a success.”

KEY FACTS: NEW MACKAY SERVICES DIRECT FROM SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE

• Up to five weekly direct services between Sydney and Mackay are on sale today from just $99.95* for travel commencing 17 December 2012. New route for Tiger Airways Australia!
• Up to four weekly direct services between Melbourne and Mackay are already on sale for travel commencing from 18 December from just $109.95.*
• Around 20 jobs created at Mackay Airport to facilitate the new services.
• Services will depart Sydney in the morning and return from Mackay mid-morning (days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday).
• Services will depart Melbourne in the morning and return from Mackay at around midday (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday).
• Tiger Airways Australia currently has 11 routes on sale (including new Mackay services).
• Further network developments from Tiger Airways Australia to be announced in due course.

Tiger Airways is committed to delivering safe, affordable and reliable air travel with friendly and professional service.

* TIGER “RAW” DOMESTIC FARE CONDITIONS: The Tiger “Raw” domestic fare is the lowest available single price fare from Tiger Airways Australia – fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Tiger “Raw” domestic fares must be purchased on line using a Mastercard debit card issued by an Australian financial institution. The Tiger “Raw” domestic fare does not incur the $7.50 convenience fee for credit card purchases (per flight, per sector). Fare is for travel one way, hand luggage only. Seats are limited and may not be available for travel during peak periods or on all flights, public holidays or certain blackout periods or once sold out. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable except as provided in the Conditions of Carriage. Promotions may be modified or cancelled without prior notice.