Tiger Australia cuts its losses

Tiger Australia posted an operating loss of S$15 million (about $12 million) for the three months to March, an improvement from an S$18 million loss in the same quarter a year earlier. Its Singaporean parent, Tiger Airways Holdings, reported a bottom‑line loss of S$15 million for the quarter versus S$16 million previously.

Revenue rose 82% to S$71 million and yields (returns from fares) increased 2.5% for the quarter, but higher operating costs from increased flying meant the airline continued to run a loss.

The article notes that yields — meaning returns from fares — rose 2.5% for the quarter, which helped narrow losses but was not enough to offset higher operating costs.

Air‑safety regulators removed the final restrictions on Tiger's flying operations late last year, and the airline is now operating without restrictions from air‑safety authorities. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority had previously grounded the airline for six weeks in 2011 over safety concerns.

Tiger Airways Holdings said Tiger Australia was now “better positioned to tap opportunities for further expansion in terms of network and market reach,” suggesting the parent sees potential for growth.

Virgin Australia received approval from the competition regulator last month to buy a 60% stake in Tiger Australia, but it does not expect the deal to be completed until mid‑July.

The article says Tiger’s losses have been running at about $60 million a year. Those ongoing losses are likely to be a drag on Virgin Australia once it takes control, which is an important consideration for investors following the takeover.

Investors should monitor revenue and yield trends (fares), changes in operating costs driven by flying levels, whether quarterly losses continue to narrow, any safety‑regulatory updates, and progress on the Virgin Australia 60% takeover — all factors the article highlights as drivers of Tiger’s performance.