Jetstar has recently announced the addition of several new flights from Melbourne’s Avalon Airport.
Jetstar will start with five return flights to Denpasar, Bali, each week from March 23. The carrier is also restarting flights between Avalon and Adelaide, and increasing services to Brisbane.
Approximately 14 new flights into and out of Avalon are being added but no rail access has progressed despite many calls for a rail line to this location for both airline passengers and those who work in the expanding airport operations.
The previous CEO of Avalon Airport expressed optimism about the growing support for Avalon’s rail connection.
“It’s a no-brainer economically. It’s a no-brainer from a transport planning model. And to be honest, it’s a no-brainer politically because there are so many electorates out in the west of Melbourne right down through to Geelong that benefit from it and it’ll be seen as a popular choice at one per cent of the price of the alternate,” he said.
Recently a new freight hub had been established at the Airport with the support of the Victorian Government. Any rail line to the airport should include freight sidings for cargo and general freight.
Melbourne Airport will remain the primary hub but there is a genuine need for competition.
“Like most global cities, competition in the airport space drives greater opportunities for airlines and increases competition,” the previous CEO said. He noted that Avalon is well-positioned to serve this role.
The proposed train to Avalon, estimated to cost just one per cent of the Tullamarine project, could stimulate this competition.
The area near the airport is also being developed into a significant industrial area eventually supporting over 8000 jobs in the area. A rail line could service the industrial areas under development, primarily for defence.
