AIRASIA TO MOVE MELBOURNE OPS TO AVALON AIRPORT
KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd will move its Melbourne operations to Avalon Airport later this year following the signing of a 10-year agreement between the two.
A total of 500,000 international passengers are projected to move through Avalon Airport in the first year of operation.
AirAsia X will be the first international carrier at the airport with two flights daily. This is set to make long-haul flights to the Melbourne and Victorian regions more affordable and improve access to more than 130 destinations in Asia and beyond.
AirAsia Group chief executive officer (CEO) and AirAsia X coGroup CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said since the group’s inaugural flight back in 2007, AirAsia X had flown more than 30 million guests, including 6.1 million Australians.
“We are proud to renew our commitment to making air travel affordable for Australians with this move to Avalon, which will help us maintain our cost edge and allow us to continue offering low fares to Asean, Asia and beyond,” he said.
“Our crusade started with just two planes 16 years ago, at a time when flying was only for the privileged few. We have since created jobs and careers and turned millions of dreams into reality.
“I must say it hasn’t always been easy for us in Australia. The challenges thrown at us have been constant, but the joy we bring to Australians and Southeast Asians who yearn to travel has strengthened our resolve to make flying cheaper, easier and more enjoyable,” he said.
AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said Melbourne and Victoria were important markets and this new service, with 560,000 seats annually, would provide a significant boost to business and tourism, including to such attractions as the Great Ocean Road.
Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings said the 10-year agreement was structured to accommodate AirAsia X’s significant growth.
“It is the first such deal in Australia and provides a unique lowcost opportunity for people and businesses to access more than 130 destinations in Asia.”
He said Avalon Airport was easily accessible from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and the surrounding areas.
“We’re extremely pleased to welcome AirAsia to Avalon Airport,” he said.