By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A NEW Zealand airline has emerged as the strongest contender yet to begin international flights to Avalon Airport, its chief has revealed.
And a regional shuttle to Canberra was also a strong possibility, Justin Giddings told a Geelong Business Network breakfast yesterday.
Mr Giddings revealed Avalon was in negotiations with three international airlines, while another Asian carrier was also a “reasonable chance”.
“We’re on the verge of achieving an international airline for Avalon and since firming up Jetstar we’ve seen a lot more international interest,” he said.
“New Zealand would be a very good service, a really good inbound feed for Geelong. Likewise a feed into Singapore or Kuala Lumpur would be a good market for us.
“We’re most determined to achieve an international passenger development because it will draw more domestic flights.
“Passengers need to be able to fly into Avalon and go international, plus connecting flights offer higher yields.
“It won’t happen within a year but probably within two years. We’re in strong discussions with the Victorian Government at the moment on this.”
The revelations follow a recent $200,000 facilities upgrade in the terminal along with approval of the airport’s master plan.
Mr Giddings said further improvements to the airport entrance would begin “within days”.
Avalon was also in discussions with its newest airline, regional service Jetgo, about establishing a shuttle service to Canberra.
“The Jetgo service from Dubbo will most likely move to Essendon when they get a few issues worked out but we’re talking to them about other destinations, like Canberra, using their 36-seater fully-pressurised jet.
“A smaller aircraft shuttle two or three times a week to Canberra will be an important opportunity for Avalon.”
Mr Giddings said loads for established tenant Jetstar were strong, with a new daily Gold Coast return service beginning on 26 October.
“Jetstar will shortly announce a third destination. I think I know what it will be – I can’t say yet – but it’s a very good destination for us from an inbound perspective.
“We want to have one or two services to every major capital around Australia in the next few years.
“We want to get the Brisbane flight back, we want to get a Perth service and Adelaide is a really good market for us.”
