By Karamjit Kaur, Aviation correspondent

EVEN as sky-high fuel prices continue to worry airlines, Tiger Airways is gearing up to expand operations Down Under.

The low-cost carrier headquartered in Singapore, has just announced that it will set up its second Australian base in Adelaide.

Tiger, which currently operates out of Melbourne, plans to base at least two of its aircraft in Adelaide from January.

More direct flights from Adelaide to new destinations are expected to boost business at the South Australian airport which can expect to handle about 10 million more passengers over the next eight years.

Tiger Aviation chief operating officer Steve Burns said: 'This is a significant milestone for the Tiger Airways Group as continues its rapid expansion across Asia and Australia'.

The launch of the second base will also 'cement our position as Asia-Pacific's leading low fare airline', he said.

Tiger Airways Australia managing director Shelley Roberts said: 'Having an initial two aircraft based at Adelaide airport will increase Tiger Airways' paw print in Australia whilst ensuring we keep our famous low, low fares'.

Consumers will also benefit from having more choices, she said.

The airline, which has dropped Darwin from its network, citing high operation costs at the airport, has not decided which routes it will serve out of Adelaide, Ms Roberts said.

Travellers who wish to to vote for their favourite destinations can do so at www.tigerairways.com.

She said: 'With so many places across the country to choose from, we want you to tell us which are your favourite destinations and where you would like to travel using Tiger's low, low fares'.