It’s been just over two years since Jetstar made a 10-year commitment to Avalon Airport.
The additional destinations have been popular. Adelaide, Hobart and the Gold Coast are well known holiday destinations, and the proximity of Avalon to the start of the Great Ocean Road ensures the inbound numbers are strong.
And then there’s the Sydney flights.
“The Sydney numbers are through the roof,” says Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings.
“Avalon to Sydney is quick, easy, and suits the traveler who needs to commute for the day. Actually, the Geelong-to-Sydney commute can be quicker than the Geelong to Melbourne one!”
It’s no secret that the airport prides itself on its easy travel experience. ‘Flying Made Easy’ is across all its branding, and it’s a promise that Giddings takes seriously.
“We’ve recently upgraded the terminal with pristine white work benches, mobile device charging ports and free wifi. We noticed how many people were using our check in area so we added a second cafe there that’s doing really well because it’s functional.
“We want the terminal to be comfortable and useful, and as far as we’re concerned it’s a work in progress.”
And it doesn’t stop with the terminal.
A recent $10 million overlay on the runway provides a smoother ride for passengers, while a new website has been launched, menus updated, furniture refreshed and online parking is in the pipeline.
SkyBus has been one of the more public upgrades. A SkyBus Avalon City express launched in February, while a SkyBus Avalon Geelong Express is running temporarily until a tender process is complete.
On top of this the Industrial Precinct has been launched, and building on the Cotton On Group DC commenced in June.
After all the changes over the past two years, Giddings is clear on the next big objective for the airport.
“International, definitely,” he says simply.
