Premier John Brumby said up to 60 new jobs would be created from Tiger’s decision to contract John Holland Aviation Services at Melbourne Airport for maintenance work and up to 60 extra flight crew and cabin staff will be employed and trained in Melbourne.

“Tiger Airways is expanding its business and bringing new jobs to Victoria,” Mr Brumby said.

“There will be a range of new jobs available from flight crew, cabin staff and highly skilled maintenance engineer positions.”

Mr Brumby particularly welcomed Tiger’s decision to use John Holland Aviation Services for its heavy maintenance ‘C-checks’ on its A320 fleet instead of using similar facilities in Singapore.

Tiger Airways commenced Australian operations with four Aircraft in November last year with three more joining the fleet this summer.  Tiger Airways aims to grow its fleet to 72 aircraft across the region with up to 30 planes destined for Australia by 2016 making it one of Asia Pacific's fastest growing airlines. 

Treasurer of Victoria, John Lenders, said the Victorian Government’s decision to help Tiger get a foothold in Melbourne was paying off with today’s announcement.

“This jobs boost shows the benefits that flow from offering targeted assistance to get companies started in Victoria,” Mr Lenders said.

“Tiger announced they would be based in Melbourne last May and we are already seeing extra capacity to attract more tourists with three more aircraft scheduled to start operations this summer.”

Mr Brumby also welcomed news today that international air passenger numbers at Melbourne Airport had increased by five per cent over the previous year and domestic passengers had increased by nine per cent.

“More than 24 million passengers used Melbourne Airport last financial year bringing valuable tourist dollars to our economy,” Mr Brumby said.

“New entrants to the aviation industry are helping to bring more visitors to Victoria and helping us to show off our many major events, tourist attractions and business facilities.”