Singapore-based low-cost carrier Tiger Airways has signed a letter of intent with Airbus, covering the planned purchase of eight new A320s. Industry sources say the letter of intent calls for deliveries in 2005 and 2006.
The aircraft would probably be taken on sale and leaseback deals arranged before delivery. Tiger is looking to order aircraft directly from Airbus in part because lease prices have been steadily increasing due to a shortage of narrowbody capacity in the market.
Tiger, which is part owned by Singapore Airlines, has said that it plans to add four more aircraft to the fleet in 2005 and another four in 2006.
It has also said it will be serving up to 10 destinations by the end of its first year of operation and up to 15 in the second year.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
