Grounded Tiger hires Qantas safety expert

SYDNEY: Embattled Tiger Airways Australia on Tuesday hired a veteran Qantas pilot as a safety advisor as part of its bid to have its flight ban revoked.

Tiger chief Tony Davis said he had taken on Captain Chris Manning, who has about 40 years experience, to boost the airline's safety programme after it was grounded by aviation regulators until August 1 over serious and imminent risks.

"With the assistance of Chris, I am confident that Tiger Airways will operate with the highest levels of safety management across our entire operation, both on the ground and in the air," Davis said.

"Today's appointment is another step towards reassuring the industry and the public that Tiger Airways is committed to a safe, viable, and long-term future in Australia."

The offshoot of Singapore's Tiger Airways was banned from flying earlier this month after safety breaches that followed an official warning on pilot proficiency and training, fatigue management and other issues.

Davis was dispatched from Singapore to take the helm at Tiger Australia and has vowed to get the low-cost carrier back flying, promising the full support of its Asian parent company.

He said Manning was one of Australia's most experienced pilots and operational advisors, starting his career with Qantas in 1970, and he would answer directly to management on safety issues.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011