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29 March 2024

Budget airlines start price war

(AP)

Published
By AFP

Asian low-cost airlines are offering dirt-cheap tickets to perk up travel during the summer holidays amid the global economic downturn.

Singapore-based Tiger Airways, which flies to destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and China, announced on Tuesday it would launch summer fares starting at about $16 (Dh59), including taxes.

The carrier, which is 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines, said in a statement it would offer its "biggest-ever network of seats" and was adding new destinations for its summer schedule from March 29 to October 24. Rosalynn Tay, Managing Director for Tiger Airways Singapore, said the airline would "demonstrate that we will continue to grow our business even in these difficult trading conditions".

Jetstar Asia, another Singapore-based budget airline, said it had extended until August 16 a promotion to beat the cheapest price offered by rivals.

"The current economy makes it a tough operating environment where competition will be intense," said Jetstar Asia's commercial head Leslie Ng.

Malaysian budget airline AirAsia also has its 'take me away' promotion. AirAsia is also offering a number of tickets starting from 26 cents for travel in Malaysia.

Indonesia's Lion Air is selling a one-way trip from Singapore to Bali for as low as $5.80 for travel from June 1 to September 30, says its website.