Tiger Airways, the budget affiliate of Singapore Airlines Ltd., said Wednesday it was looking to add destinations in China, India and Cambodia to its schedule by year's end.

"We have launched eight routes from January, and expect to launch another two to three routes by the year-end. We are looking to fly to Cambodia, South China, and India," said Tiger chief executive Tony Davis at a media briefing to marks its first anniversary.

"India and Singapore have signed a more liberal air services agreement recently. I'm hoping today (Wednesday) we will get approval for the first route to India," Davis added.

Tiger's expansion comes as just months after Singapore-based rivals Jetstar Asia, backed by Australia's Qantas, and Valuair Ltd. announced a merger.

Jetstar starts low-cost Kolkata-Singapore flights

Analysts say high jet fuel costs have dampened prospects for low-cost operators, who have mushroomed in Asia.

Tiger currently flies to 11 destinations from Singapore, second only to Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd., the market leader.

He said the airline would scale down its Singapore-Bangkok route from the current three flights daily to one from October as there are 20 airlines already flying that particular route.