Tiger Airways has taken on veteran Qantas pilot captain Chris Manning in a bid to improve safety as it seeks to return to the skies.

Tiger – the low-cost offshoot of Singapore Airways – is presently grounded until August 1st following “serious and imminent” safety concerns.

As it seeks to meet deadlines for safety improvements, Tiger Airways new chief executive Tony Davis said Manning would act as an advisor to boost the airline’s safety programme.

“With the assistance of Chris, I am confident Tiger Airways will operate with the highest levels of safety management across our entire operation, both on the ground and in the air,” Davis explained.

“His appointment is another step towards reassuring the industry and the public Tiger Airways is committed to a safe, viable, and long-term future in Australia.”

Tiger Airways was banned from flying earlier this month after safety breaches that followed an official warning on pilot proficiency and training, fatigue management and other issues.

Davis was dispatched from Singapore to take the helm at Tiger Australia.