Avalon world flights deal

AVALON Airport is a major step closer to getting its international wings with a deal struck to allow daily flights to the Philippines.

It comes as the largest Filipino carrier prepares to bring its low-cost flights to Australia.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese will today add Avalon to a landing rights agreement between Australia and the Philippines, paving the way for the two countries’ carriers to potentially operate direct daily services between Manila and Avalon.

“This is a huge win for trade and tourism, and for Geelong and Victoria,” Mr Albanese said. “A second international airport will bring more visitors, jobs and economic growth.”

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific Air operates domestic services and international flights to neighbouring countries but plans to lease up to eight Airbus A330-300s for long-haul flights to new markets.

Cebu Pacific representatives are believed to be heading to Australia this week to look for destinations including Avalon.this week to scout for destinations, with Avalon on the list.

Corio MP Richard Marles said it was a vital step before any flights went ahead.

“You can’t have that happen without the air rights agreement between the two countries being signed,” Mr Marles said.

Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings said it also wants similar air rights agreements with Hong Kong, Malaysia and India while Singapore, New Zealand and the US, all of which have “open skies” agreements with Australia, are also on Avalon’s radar.

“The benefits of getting a foot into Asia would be fantastic,” Mr Giddings said.

While signing an international agreement with the Philippines in place is a vital step, no one is ready to pop the champagne cork yet.

Avalon needs to secure an airline, get board approval to upgrade the terminal as well as build customs and immigration facilities.

It could take a further six months for other regulatory approvals, including from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and up to nine months of building works.

Getting the first carrier to commit to Avalon though, could have flow-on effects with other countries and carriers following suit.

“I believe Avalon Airport represents the single greatest chance for economic growth in our region,” Mr Giddings said.

Corangamite MP Darren Cheeseman said the deal marked a historic day.

“An international airport at Avalon will generate major employment opportunities from the terminal to the tarmac,” Mr Cheeseman said.

Tapping into a market the size of the Philippines would also bring huge benefits to the tourism sector.

“It does open up an exciting prospect in this region,” Geelong Otway Tourism boss Roger Grant said.

“They are adventurous, independent travellers and they would be very much suited to the product we can offer in our region. The key to Avalon is these bilateral arrangements and being strategic with these second-tier airlines.”

Cebu Pacific has been looking to fly direct to Sydney and Melbourne to cater for the thousands of Filipinos living in Australia.

“We are exploring serving cities where large Filipino communities reside,” Cebu president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei said.

Avalon world flights deal