The move was announced at an industry event at Avalon Airport yesterday with special guests including Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop; AirAsia Group chief executive and AirAsia X co-group chief executive, Tony Fernandes; founder of Linfox, Lindsay Fox; executive chairman Linfox Airports, David Fox; AirAsia X Malaysia chief executive, Benyamin Ismail; Minister for Industry and Employment, Ben Carroll; Avalon Airport chief executive, Justin Giddings, and local TV personality Catriona Rowntree as master of ceremonies.
“This is an exciting milestone for AirAsia X,” Fernandes said.
“Since our inaugural flight in 2007, AirAsia X has flown over 30 million guests, including 6.1 million Australians – tourists wanting to experience amazing Australia, students from across the globe and Australians who wish to see the world. We are proud to renew our commitment to making air travel affordable for Australians with this move to Avalon, which will help us maintain our cost edge and allow us to continue offering low fares to Asean, Asia and beyond.”
He added: “Our crusade started with just two planes 16 years ago at a time when flying was only for the privileged few. We have since created jobs and careers, and turned millions of dreams into reality. I must say it hasn’t always been easy for us in Australia. The challenges thrown at us have been constant, but the joy we bring to Australians and Southeast Asians who yearn to travel has strengthened our resolve to make flying cheaper, easier and more enjoyable. We would like to thank Avalon for supporting AirAsia in helping all travellers through low fares.”
Ismail said AirAsia X Malaysia was “proud to be the first airline to operate international flights at Avalon Airport, connecting Melbourne and the Victorian region with Kuala Lumpur, Asia’s number one LCC hub.
“Melbourne and Victoria are important markets to us and this new service with 560,000 seats annually will provide a significant boost to business and tourism, including to such attractions as the Great Ocean Road. We wish to thank the relevant authorities for their tremendous support in making our move to Avalon Airport possible.”
David Fox said Avalon Airport anticipates “around half a million international passengers” would use Avalon Airport in the first year of operations.
Avalon Airport is easily accessible from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and surrounds. It’s 50 minutes to the Melbourne CBD and the closest international airport to the Great Ocean Road. AirAsia flights will continue to operate from Melbourne (Tullamarine Airport) until flights from Avalon Airport are operational later this year.
Source: eGlobalTRavelmedia Edited by Peter Needham || February 05, 2018 |||