Avalon looks for clearer skies in 2022

AVALON Airport is anticipating clearer skies in 2022 as it aims to resume international flights and possibly add some more destinations.

Airport chief executive officer Justin Giddings gave an update on Avalon’s plans for next year and beyond at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s final After 5 event for this year, held inside Avalon’s international terminal in late December.

The terminal has seen very few non-Australians arrive or depart over the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Australian border has only just reopened to skilled migrants and foreign students.

“We’ve got 340 (people) here, and AirAsia typically had 350 on a plane, so it’s about as full as what we would have been in our heyday, but of course everyone would have been seated, so it’s a little bit different,” Mr Giddings said.

“It is good to be back here, it’s a good vibe – so welcome, everybody.”

He said Avalon had resumed domestic flights to Sydney and most recently the Gold Coast, just in time for the summer peak.

“There’s a lot of forecasts out there that domestic will actually be stronger next year than it was in 2019, and we had a record 2019 in terms of flights, so we’re very confident about that.”

He said the return of international flights to and from Kuala Lumpur and Bali would take some time.

“We spoke to AirAsia last week about them coming back really quickly, we’re in discussion with Jetstar about getting more flights as well.

“We’ve got a great facility. The good thing about it is that previously when I was trying to get international airlines I didn’t have an international terminal, so at least I’ve got it now, and you can see just how good it is.”

Avalon’s “number one objective” was to establish a railway connection to the airport, Mr Giddings said.

“By 2026, Sydney will have two international airports, both connected by rail, and Victoria won’t have any.

“At a time where airlines have all reset, they’re all coming back and looking where to fly, Sydney becomes a really easy market to go to.

“Internationally, we’re desperate to get New Zealand, we’re desperate to get into the Pacific islands as well and broaden our reach into Asia. Because once we get into Asia, we can really fly onto Europe and America.”

There was also a hotly-contested paper plane throwing competition at the event, which Mr Giddings disqualified himself from as he has won at least two similar competitions at previous business conferences (but still demonstrated his skill with the best throw of the evening).