An Australian Senate government enquiry into aviation safety has bought itself more time to grill the country’s aviation safety watchdog over its enforcement action against Tiger Airways Australia.
As a result, Tiger Airways is unable to put its newest jet into service due to the unresolved questions over why the Civil Aviation Safety Authority asked Tiger to “show cause” why its licence should not be revoked.
Fairfax Media reported that the inquiry committee was due to table its final report into airline safety and pilot training standards this week after months of hearings and scores of submissions, but in a two paragraph “interim report” advised it will now not report until June 15.
“The committee requires additional time to seek further evidence,” the committee said.
The committee will use the extra time to probe the concerns the Civil Aviation Safety Authority holds over Tiger Airways.
CASA’s senior management is expected to be recalled on May 16 to explain their actions, including the grounds for concern that led to the “show cause” notice and about keeping their concerns secret from the flying public.
Tiger Airways Australia management are also expected to be recalled to answer questions before the inquiry.
While Tiger has responded to CASA’s notice, the safety regulator is still considering the airline’s responses and the airline remains under notice.
Tiger’s local operation has taken delivery of its 11th airliner, an Airbus A320-200, registered VH-FJR on April 14, but can’t put the jet into service while the “show cause” notice remains active.
It was a group-wide initiative and not sparked by any recent issues, a Tiger Airways Australia spokeswoman said.
