Jetstar cuts Avalon-Sydney services in rebalancing

Alex de Vos
Jetstar will cut three daily services from Avalon Airport to Sydney as part of plan to slash $1.5 billion from operating costs.
Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce revealed the cuts on Wednesday when announcing the airline’s “rebalance” of operations from Avalon and Tullamarine.
Jetstar would operate four services from Avalon to Sydney and five from Tullamarine to Sydney under the new plan, Mr Joyce said.
Jetstar communications manager Simon Westaway said the budget carrier remained committed to servicing Geelong commuters and travellers despite the cuts.
“Jetstar is still committed to Avalon,” Mr Westaway said.
“We will continue to base an aircraft at Avalon for the early-morning flight, which is important for Geelong commuters.”
Mr Westaway said the airline would continue operating services between Avalon and Brisbane.
“We’re not ruling out further destinations in time,” he said,
Mr Westaway blamed the cuts on changing “market dynamics”.
“It’s a combination of factors – the market dynamics are a little bit different,” he said.
“Sydney-to-Melbourne routes are becoming very competitive and customers want services to Sydney from both Avalon and Tullamarine.”
The latest round of cuts follow reductions in Avalon flights earlier this year in response to the impact of the global financial crisis on domestic and international travel.