Virgin Australia has chosen former Qantas executive Rob Sharp as the new boss of budget carrier Tiger Airways Australia.
Sharp has spent 15 years at Qantas, most recently as head of global airport infrastructure and services.
His appointment, starting this week, comes after Australia’s competition watchdog approved Virgin Australia’s bid to buy 60% of Tiger Australia from its Singaporean parent.
As part of the transaction, which still needs final approval, Virgin Australia had the right to nominate the chief executive.
Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia have pledged to invest up to a further A$62.5 million collectively into the Tiger Australia business.
Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said: "There is a real opportunity to provide strong competition in the budget travel segment and bring further benefits to consumers."
