Avalon goes international

IT’S ALL taking off at Avalon Airport, with the international terminal officially opening at the weekend and the first international flights scheduled to arrive and depart yesterday (Wednesday, December 5).

AirAsia X has moved its Tullamarine operations to Avalon and will now run passenger and cargo flights to and from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur twice daily.

The $48 million international terminal includes two duty free stores, Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) facilities and a full bar and café.

It is also the first airport in Australia to offer intelligent CT cabin baggage screening to international travellers, which can show scans of baggage in three dimensions.

Located next to the existing domestic terminal, the international terminal is 6,370 square metres in size and has been designed with room to expand once new airlines come on board – a goal that Linfox Airports executive chair David Fox is keen to see happen as soon as possible.

“Today’s a dream come true; we’ve been dreaming about this for 20-odd years,” he said. “We’ve got two daily flights – wait until it’s 15 or 20.”

AirAsia X expects about half a million international passengers will fly in and out of Avalon in the airline’s first year of operation there. Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Avalon Airport chief executive officer Justin Giddings officially opened the terminal on Sunday.

Senator Payne said the new link to Kuala Lumpur would be “the beginning, not the end of this conversation” about international trade. “This exponentially increases the opportunities to regional Victoria.”

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said Avalon going international would create about 187 direct jobs and double visitor expenditure to $582 million within 10 years.

“By 2028, this investment will also generate an additional 2,000 jobs.”

Several of the speakers at Sunday’s opening praised Mr Giddings and his role in securing an international carrier for Avalon.

“Justin, mate! The king of Lara!” Mr Fox said. “Can I say to you: you’ve nailed it.”

AirAsia X chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said Avalon offered the airline’s passengers many advantages including a hassle-free, streamlined arrival and departure experience and direct access to the Great Ocean Road.

“As the flagship carrier to launch services from Avalon Airport, this is a game changer for consumers, for tourism and the industry.”