Tiger ‘powers overseas plan’

Andrew Mathieson
A SECOND airline operating out of Avalon Airport will give the biggest push yet to plans for an international terminal, according to A peak Geelong lobby group.
Committee for Geelong executive director Peter Dorling believed that owner Linfox still planned to expand the airport to include an international terminal despite a failure to secure Federal Government approval.
Tiger Airways announced this week it would join Jetstar to fly domestic flights out of Avalon later this year.
“Avalon will now be looked at its potential, not only in domestic flights but for international flights, too,” Mr Dorling said.
“We’re starting to walk very quickly before we run but I suspect that’s where we’re heading and I wouldn’t think it would be too far in the future.”
Airport manager Justin Giddings told the Independent in December that Avalon would shelve its international terminal plans in favour of sending overseas travellers through the domestic facility.
Federal Government knocked back Avalon’s international bid in 2008, forcing prospective international carriers to switch allegiances to Melbourne Airport.
Mr Dorling tipped Avalon would become a leading Australian airport for budget flights to Asia.
“I don’t think it will take too long for Tiger once it gets its feet in the ground at Avalon to start off some of these international flights,” he said.
“The Federal Government has said all the way along it is prepared to support Avalon in its push for international airport status.”
Mr Dorling said Geelong travellers owed “a vote of thanks” to entrepreneur Lindsay Fox’s commitment and investment in pushing Avalon to fly overseas.
“We’ve got two airlines flying out of our airports where 10 years ago we didn’t have much at all, so we have come a long way away.”
Avalon will become Tiger Airways’ third domestic “base” amid plans to have two aircraft settle at the airport.
Linfox Airports executive chairman David Fox said the arrival of Tiger Airways was the most significant announcement for Avalon since passenger services began in 2004.
“This is an enormous boost for the airport and the travelling public,” he said.
“Avalon’s low-cost model is in sync with Tiger’s and this will result in more competition, which tends to lead to lower prices.
“This is about Avalon being a genuine alternative destination and promoting competition.”