Record numbers take flight at Avalon

BUSINESS is taking off at Avalon, with Jetstar announcing it will carry a record number of passengers through the airport this year.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer Dean Salter said 780,000 people will have caught flights to or from Avalon by the end of 2017.

Speaking at a lunch at Truffleduck organised by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce earlier this month, Mr Salter said there had been a 56 per cent increase in the number of passengers in the past two years.

“Low fares travel on Jetstar continues to drive more tourists to the region and provides an opportunity for locals wanting to visit other parts of Australia.

“More than a quarter of a million additional travellers are flying to and from Avalon Airport this year compared to two years ago, which is great for the local economy.

“Avalon Airport is the gateway for many people wanting to enjoy some of the great attractions in the area, such as the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.”

Jetstar operates 97 weekly flights – more than 5,000 flights per year – in and out of Avalon Airport to four destinations: Gold Coast, Adelaide, Sydney and Hobart.

Jetstar signed a 10-year agreement in April 2015 with the Victorian Government and Linfox Group to secure the long-term future of air services to the region.

Jetstar started services from Avalon in June 2004 and employs about 50 staff at Avalon Airport in a range of customer service, ground operations and engineering roles.