Qantas should give Jetstar a 12 month reprieve from any decision to move its operations away from Avalon Airport, say Geelong Mayor Cr Darryn Lyons and Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson.
“We will be writing a letter to Jetstar today to request a 12 month reprieve on any decision involving its future at Avalon Airport,” said Cr Lyons.
“A 12 month reprieve would give the key stakeholders the breathing space needed to secure Jetstar’s future at Avalon Airport,” said Ms Henderson.
“Commercial flights out of Avalon are so important for our economy, for local jobs and for our region.
“In parliament yesterday I called on Jetstar to invest in better scheduling and not to desert the people of Geelong.”
Cr Lyons said Avalon was a major asset for the state and its “strategic location” made it a key transport link for tourism and economic opportunities for the south west region.
“I am convinced there are huge benefits to be reaped from the ongoing operation of flights from Avalon – this is only the beginning.”
“If Jetstar can provide this reprieve we will urge our community to get behind Jetstar.”
Avalon management said the airport would survive and that it was a generational asset.
“Jetstar flights at Avalon remain very full. The demand for services at Avalon remains strong and we believe that Jetstar’s profitability could increase by implementing new services at Avalon.
“In 2008, Jetstar had up to 13 flights per day but since that time Jetstar has reduced to five flights per day.
“Currently these five flights are spread over 16 hours per day making staff productivity levels quite low,” airport CEO Justin Giddings said.
Jetstar has operated at Avalon Airport since 2004 and has flown more than seven million passengers to around the country.
Mr Giddings said the Fox family, which owns the airport, was looking to the long term and is committed to the providing employment, training and economic development opportunities to the region.
“The airport will still be home to the airshow and there are some aircraft maintenance options available,” he said.
