The Andrews Labor Government has welcomed the announcement by Jetstar that it will commence daily return services between Avalon and the Gold Coast from 26 October 2015.
Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, visited Avalon Airport today to launch the new service, saying the development is good news for the local industry, tourism and jobs.
The daily Avalon-Gold Coast service is the result of an agreement signed between the Labor Government and Jetstar earlier this year that secures operations for the next ten years at Avalon Airport and expands passenger services.
As part of the contract, Jetstar is slated to increase the number of flights from five to seven a day and fly to two new domestic destinations.
One-third of all arrivals in to Avalon are tourists and the new daily flights are expected to carry an additional 65,000 passengers a year arriving at Avalon Airport from Gold Coast.
Avalon provides a gateway to great Victorian tourism landmarks, particularly along the western coast of Victoria such as the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road.
Tourists will also have easy access to world-class events such as the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport which attracts over 150,000 attendees, brings in over $140 million in economic revenue for Victoria and generates $1.4 billion for the aero defence industry in sales.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio
“We are committed to supporting the local aviation industry and creating jobs for the greater Geelong region.”
“Labor has guaranteed the future of Avalon Airport by signing an agreement with Jetstar which secures operations for the next 10 years and increases passenger services, saving up to 200 jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“With new daily flights to Avalon, more people will explore Victoria’s amazing attractions and visit our world renowned events, including those in the greater Geelong region.”
“We will continue working with Avalon, Jetstar and the Geelong community to enhance industry, tourism and major events in the region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020