Jetstar planning cheap New Zealand flights at Avalon

Andrew Mathieson
FLIGHTS to New Zealand could depart from Avalon Airport before the end of the year under a proposal to remove customs and immigration procedures.
Budget carrier Jetstar, which is driving the changes, has proposed return fares for less than $100 following customs and immigrations savings.
A proposed agreement on the table between Australian and New Zealand governments would change international flights to domestic routes.
Jetstar communications manager Simon Westaway believed “political will” was supporting the proposal.
Flights to New Zealand would further “revolutionise” Avalon Airport, he said.
“We believe it will have a big stimulating benefit because of the demand.
“It’s a big market anyway but we think it will create more demand and, importantly, allow the region, including the Bellarine Peninsula, to more-effectively market itself to New Zealand.”
Avalon Airport is waiting for approval to build an international terminal.
Mr Westaway said Jetstar could generate a 30 per cent reduction in New Zealand fares under the proposal.
“If we can get the price down we can stimulate and create consumer behaviour that will see more people travel.”
Mr Westaway said daily flights to Christchurch and Auckland would be Jetstar’s preferred option at Avalon.
Avalon Airport general manager Justin Giddings said he had yet to have discussions with the airlines but the airport’s first overseas flights would only have an “upside”.
He believed a common border would stimulate Australia’s economy.
“It would allow us to run international services to New Zealand without a construction of our new terminal,” Mr Giddings said.