Bigger plans for Avalon after federal funding boost
AVALON Airport’s international terminal will be built 25 per cent bigger as a result of a $20 million federal funding injection, the airport’s boss says.
Construction of the 6250sq m terminal, to house low-cost carrier AirAsia X from the end of the year, will begin today.
Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings said the added space would allow for a bigger retail precinct with potential for more duty-free outlets.
“The (Federal Government) money will allow us to build the terminal bigger, about 25 per cent bigger,” Mr Giddings said.
“It will give us the capacity for more gates (in the terminal) in the future.
“It will allow five or six flights a day in the future.”
Initially, AirAsia X’s two daily flights into Avalon will give the airport a maximum international passenger capacity of more than 400,000 a year.
Mr Giddings said the international terminal would be built with capacity to expand, with one gate to allow one international flight on the ground at a time initially.
The construction of the terminal is expected to generate more than 30 jobs at the airport and 50 off site.
International flights from Avalon are expected to generate almost 190 full-time jobs at the airport, including customs officers and ground and terminal staff.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson said the project would be a catalyst for more local jobs.
“This project is a huge boost for our region’s economy and is the start of great things to come,” she said. “I thank Treasurer Scott Morrison for making this $20 million commitment to the Avalon Airport so that we have the facilities needed to welcome and process international visitors.
“Funding of this project is further proof of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to Geelong and the broader region.”
“It will give us the capacity for more gates (in the terminal) in the future. It will allow five or six flights a day in the future.” AVALON AIRPORT CEO JUSTIN GIDDINGS