Singapore Airlines Denies Spoiling Bid

Singapore Airlines has denied allegations that it used Tiger Airways to undermine an $11.1 billion bid for the Australian airline Qantas.

On Friday, Singapore Air spokesman Stephen Forshaw alleged that the company had no role in Tiger Airways’ attempt to enter the Australian domestic market by undermining the private equity bid, the Sydney Morning Herald said.

We addressed the issue of our future involvement in the domestic market back in 2003, he said regarding the airline’s failed attempt at expanding its own market.

Tiger has seen the opportunity. It will bring to Australia true low-fare air travel, he added, stating that his company did not use its part-ownership in the budget carrier to disrupt the bid.

While many experts maintain that Singapore Airlines is behind the expansion, Tiger chief executive Tony Davis spoke as if his airline was acting independently.

But this is not just another airline start-up. This is an existing company with an established operating base, an established business model, existing services to and from Australia and a company that is well financed, well managed and knows what it’s doing, he told the paper.