Avalon set to launch new international bid

Andrew Mathieson
Avalon Airport hopes to lodge a second application for an international terminal before the end of the year, according to general manager Tim Anderson.
However, Mr Anderson said the bid had lost momentum after Federal Government knocked back the first application earlier this year, costing Avalon the chance to lure international airline Air Asia X.
The budget carrier had promised to fly from Victoria to London for less than $1000.
Air Asia X had told the Independent it was keen on flying from Avalon but instead set up base at Tullamarine after the failure of the $30 million terminal bid.
Mr Tim Anderson said Avalon was “ still working through the issues” with all levels of governments.
The airport had suspended talks with international airlines until it had secured approval for the proposed terminal building, he said.
“I have to say the complete urgency to do it has lapsed because our proposal was linked into that Air Asia X activity,” Mr Anderson said.
“We’re still keen to pursue the concept at some stage soon.
“We have to say we were disappointed it (the first application) didn’t go ahead because we thought it would have been a terrific initiative.”
Mr Anderson dismissed the claims of airport owner Lindsay Fox reported in a Melbourne newspaper that he had given up on an international terminal at Avalon.
The state opposition said the Brumby Government’s failure to deliver an aviation industry strategy had killed Avalon’s bid for an international carrier.
Liberal spokesperson for major projects Richard Dalla-Riva said Avalon had waited six years for the strategy to support the airport’s plan for international flights.
“This inaction meant Avalon Airport lost a major international air carrier and the associated employment and business opportunities that would have come with it,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
He said the delays had hampered the opportunity to build a case for Federal Government to adopt an “open skies” policy.
A major projects spokesperson for minister Theo Theophanous failed to respond to Mr Dalla-Riva’s claims.