By James Wilkinson

Tiger Airways has finally made the long-awaited announcement of Sydney flights, with services from Melbourne to start on July 3.

Tiger will fly Sydney-Melbourne from July 3, 2009

Tiger Airways managing director Shelley Roberts said up to four flights between the cities would be flown each day using single-class Airbus A320 aircraft.

“Tiger Airways has always been proud to be Melbourne’s home-town airline, and now we’re even more thrilled to be adding this important interstate route to our schedule,” she said.

With no lounges, check-in closing times of 45 minutes before each flight, one-class cabins and no-frills service onboard, the airline is again targeting leisure travellers.

But with Qantas alone offering 35 flights per day in each direction and Virgin Blue with 178 a week each way, Tiger Airways will be up for one huge challenge to win over both business and leisure travellers alike.

When Tiger starts flying the route on July 3, it will be the first time three airlines have competed on the lucrative Sydney-Melbourne route since Ozjet ceased flying on March 12, 2006.

Tickets are on sale for $68 one way at www.tigerairways.com