AirAsia X signs 10-year deal with Australia’s Avalon Airport
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X has sealed a 10-year agreement with the AvalonAirport,intheAustralianstate of Victoria, from where the long-haul low-cost carrier will start operating later this year, the airline announced yesterday.
Currently, the airline is operating from the Melbourne Airport, which is also located in the state of Victoria and is 62km from the Avalon Airport.
“This is a 10-year agreement structured to accommodate AirAsia X’s significant growth.
“It is the first such deal in Australia, and provides a unique low-cost opportunity for people and businesses to access over 130 destinations throughout Asia,” Avalon Airport chief executive officer (CEO) Justin Giddings said.
HesaidtheAvalonAirportiseasily accessible from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and the surrounding areas.
“Avalon Airport offers an easy, enjoyable experience for travellers andisjust50minutestotheMelbourne CBD (central business district) and the closest international airport to the Great Ocean Road,” he said in a statement.
A total of 500,000 international passengers are projected to move through the Avalon Airport in the first year of operations.
AirAsia Group CEO and AirAsia X Co-Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said: “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.” — Bernama