Tiger Airways Holdings: Exceptional Charges and Provisions Contribute To 4Q Losses

Tiger Airways Holdings Limited (“Tigerair”) has reported an operating loss of $24.2 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2014 (“4QFY14”), compared to an operating profit of $12.7 million recorded in the previous corresponding quarter (“4QFY13”).

Total revenue declined by 32.7% to $161.9 million in 4QFY14, while total expenses fell 18.3% to $186.1 million year-on-year, mainly due to the exclusion of Tigerair Australia from the Group’s results, as the airline ceased to be a subsidiary from 8 July 2013.

Loss after tax of $95.5 million for 4QFY14 was largely attributed to $52.4 million in exceptional charges and $21.5 million in share of losses of associate and joint venture. Exceptional charges comprised a $25.0 million provision for a planned grounding of eight aircraft and a $27.4 million impairment of associate, while the share of losses of associate and joint venture included an $11.9 million provision relating to Tigerair Mandala. These exceptional charges and provisions, which amounted to $64.3 million, demonstrate the Group’s resolve to re-set its strategy and consolidate its capacity.

For the full year ended 31 March 2014, the Group recorded an operating loss of $52.0 million compared to an operating profit of $7.3 million year-on-year. Group loss after tax widened to $223.0 million, compared to the previous year’s loss after tax of $45.4 million.

Operations Review (4QFY14)

Despite an increase in traffic volume (13.4%), Tigerair Singapore’s revenue for 4QFY14 declined by 4.5% to $159.0 million, as yield fell 16.3% and load factor dropped 9.1 percentage points to 75.1%. Unit cost rose by 2.2% as the increase in expenses (29.9%) outpaced capacity growth (+27.1%).

Consequently, Tigerair Singapore recorded an operating loss of $29.4 million for the quarter compared to an operating profit of $21.5 million a year ago.

Share of loss from Tigerair Mandala amounted to $16.1 million for the quarter. The airline currently has a fleet of nine aircraft. Share of loss from Tigerair Australia amounted to $5.4 million for the quarter. The airline has a fleet of 13 aircraft.

Turnaround Plan
The continued capacity expansion in the region has negatively affected yields and load factors. The Tigerair Group has embarked on a plan to turn around its financial performance. During the last financial year, the Group:
 sold 60% of its stake in loss-making Tigerair Australia,
 sold its stake of 40% in loss-making Tigerair Philippines,
 made financial provisions for losses in Tigerair Mandala and rationalised its routes,
 cancelled nine aircraft ordered in 2007 and due for delivery in 2014-2015,
 made financial provisions for a planned grounding of eight aircraft in financial year 2015,
and
 entered into strategic alliances in advancement of Tigerair’s asset light growth strategy.

The disposal of Tigerair Philippines means that the Group will no longer include the financial results of the loss-making airline. The Group’s exposure to loss-making Tigerair Australia is significantly reduced through the paring of its stake in the Australian entity. With the rationalisation of Tigerair Mandala’s network, the airline will operate a smaller fleet, even as the Group is assessing its investment in Indonesia.

Tigerair Singapore is also implementing a range of new initiatives to enhance its customers’ experience, including its booking, check-in, inflight, and post-flight experiences. It will continue to drive performance by focusing on cost management and matching seasonal passenger demand with the right flight frequencies. The aircraft order cancellation will help to mitigate near-term over-capacity issues.

Group CEO Mr Koay Peng Yen said, “In the past year, we have executed difficult plans to clear the deck and put the Group on a stronger foundation. The divestment of our overseas units and provisions for future charges ensure that the Company can start off on a better footing in the new financial year. We have also proactively addressed excess capacity issues faced by the Group. In fact, the industry as a whole needs to reflect on the toll that overcapacity has created. We recognise that the restructuring of Tigerair is not an overnight process, and we are working very hard at executing our turnaround strategy. We are leaving no stone unturned.”

Outlook
Due to an over-supply of capacity in the region, Tigerair continues to operate in a challenging business environment. It is expected that yield and load factors will remain under pressure. In the face of these challenging conditions, the Group will continue to focus on managing costs and productivity, optimising yields and keeping its operating asset base tight by reducing capacity and adjusting its service network. Given uncertain market conditions, the Group is reviewing its investment in Tigerair Mandala.

The establishment of Tigerair Taiwan is underway, and it is expected to take to the skies by the end of 2014. The Group holds a 10% share of Tigerair Taiwan.