Sky’s limit for export

By Noel Murphy
AVALON Airport is poised to become the transport hub for a new international food bowl.
Federal Government approval for Avalon to host international flights underpins a “massive” opportunity for the region, and south-east Australia, to export produce to the world.
While all eyes are on tourist and business passengers through Avalon, it’s what goes on in the belly of the planes that could drive the regional economy as it diversifies from its traditional heavy manufacturing.
Avalon chief executive officer Justin Giddings told the Independent 70 per cent of Australia’s freight entered the country in the belly of international planes.
“We’re on the edge of a food bowl that is an enormous opportunity,” Mr Giddings said.
“Freight will be fundamental.’’
Produce king Frank Costa said the potential for freight transport in the underbelly of planes at Avalon should be compared with business taking place at Melbourne Airport.
Mr Costa used the Independent last week to call for Federal Government to boost assistance to Australian horticultural and agricultural sectors, saying food was more important than cars.
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell weighed into the Avalon prospects, saying the airport was a key pillar to Geelong’s future economy.
“International flights into Avalon will bring about $100,000 per plane into the region,” he said.
“Multiply that by the number of planes and planes going out with loads both ways with people and with freight.
“This is an opportunity to fill in the map, it’s a key economic driver for the future. It’s not just about Avalon but also about people.
“It’s massive.”
Avalon management is in talks with at least three airlines and could host international flights within a year after gaining federal approval late last week.
“Now we’re concentrating on getting an airline to Avalon,” Mr Giddings said.
“The Government fast-tracking the process allows us to build between now and getting the airlines here.’’
Mr Giddings declined to reveal which airlines Avalon was negotiating with but said travellers could probably expect flights to Asia and the Pacific to be the first international destinations offered at the airport.