Grounded Tiger Airways Australia is "optimistic" that it will resume services, following an application by Australian regulators to extend a suspension on its flights.

"We are optimistic of returning to normal services while reassuring the public, staff and stakeholders of our long term commitment to Australia. The airline is well positioned to meet these goals," said the airline.

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said yesterday it would apply to the country's Federal Court to extend a grounding of the airline to 1 August, which means its flights would have been suspended for a month. CASA first grounded the airline for a week from 2 July due to safety concerns.

"Tiger Airways Australia is committed to working with the industry regulator and other authorities to resolve their issues, something we are confident we can do in the coming days and weeks," said the carrier. "Tiger Airways Australia is currently talking to all of our staff directly to reassure them on the airline's long term future."

Following the extension of the grounding yesterday, Tiger said the CEO of its Australian arm, Crawford Rix, will step down at the end of this month. Parent company Tiger Airways Holdings' CEO Tony Davis will take over Rix, the airline said.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news