CASA has  confirmed that it has finalised a set of conditions that it will impose on Tiger Airways’ Australian domestic subsidiary if the Singapore owned carrier is allowed to resume flights.

It is understood that these requirements involve a gradual return to service of the ten Airbus A320s in its fleet that have been grounded since July 1 because the airline’s operations were an ‘imminent threat to public safety’.

In a statement issued today noting that the Federal Court hearing of matters related to the suspension has been further adjourned by consent from this morning to this Friday CASA says:

CASA’s investigations have been completed and a set of proposed conditions to be imposed on Tiger Airway’s air operator’s certificate have been served on the airline.

A number of conditions must be met before CASA can be satisfied it is safe to allow Tiger to resume operations.

Tiger Airways has responded positively and has been providing CASA with the evidence necessary to demonstrate how it will meet the conditions.

CASA is assessing this documentation as it is received.

Once Tiger Airways has submitted, and CASA has verified, all of the documentation required, CASA will be in a position to decide whether to lift Tiger’s suspension.

If and when that occurs, CASA would withdraw its application to the Federal Court.

CASA is working to finalise these matters as quickly as possible.

The costs of Tiger Airways persistent refusal to obey Australian safety obligations appear set to continue well beyond any resumption of service.

Although Singapore Airlines, the principal shareholder in Tiger Airways Holdings, which owns the Singapore and Australia based division of the low cost carrier, has recently belatedly taken action to bring focused and compliant management skills into play in Tiger, the question has to be asked, Why did it take so long?