Jetstar to fly from both Avalon and Tullamarine in Melbourne

Qantas today announced that Avalon Airport in Victoria would be a key port in the Jetstar network.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon, said Jetstar - which would operate from Melbourne's Tullamarine and Avalon Airports - was the first Australian commercial carrier to fly scheduled services from a second city airport.

"The choice of Avalon is in line with our commitment to service the Australian leisure travel market," he said.

"Avalon is the perfect gateway to many famous Victorian tourist attractions, including the Great Ocean Road, and is a fantastic starting point for leisure travellers looking to explore Victoria." 

He said that establishing the airport in Avalon, which is 55 km from Melbourne's central business district and 19 km from Geelong, would also make it easier for those in the local area to fly Jetstar to Sydney and Brisbane.

From June 2004, Jetstar will operate 42 flights a week between Avalon and Sydney and 28 flights a week between Brisbane and Avalon, as well as 246 flights a week between Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and six other destinations.

Mr Dixon said that the triple daily flights from Melbourne (Avalon) to Sydney would suit both same day return travellers and passengers wanting longer stays with morning, late afternoon and evening services.

"The double daily services to Brisbane are equally convenient with morning and late afternoon or evening flights," he said.

Mr Dixon said using a second city airport like Avalon was in line with global trends in the low cost carrier market.

He said that Jetstar, Linfox, the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government had worked together to make the Avalon idea a reality.

"We are looking forward to working with the City of Greater Geelong, the Victorian Government and Linfox to develop the airport." 

Linfox Airports Managing Director, David Fox, said the deal was a milestone day for the company.

"Over the past few years we have developed Avalon into a centre for aviation excellence. It is a major aerospace centre for aircraft maintenance, international air freight and pilot training. Moving into passenger flights will complement our existing activities and over time increase the workforce on site considerably,'' Mr Fox said.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Barbara Abley said she was thrilled to welcome Jetstar to the region.

"Avalon Airport is a tremendous facility with great potential, and having direct, domestic air links with Sydney and Brisbane will provide a huge boost for tourism and business in the region," the Mayor said.