lame
31st May 2004, 07:36
Turbulence hits airports
John Masanauskas, aviation reporter
31may04
A BATTLE of the airports has erupted as Avalon gears up for its first Jetstar flights tomorrow.
Avalon managing director Tim Anderson yesterday rejected Melbourne airport's claim that passengers choosing Avalon would get less comfort and services.
"There's absolutely no compromise whatsoever, particularly with car parking," he said.
"Here it's $10 for the first day and $5 a day thereafter, while the short-term car park at Melbourne airport costs $35 a day."
Mr Anderson said Avalon passengers would save time because the car park, terminal and aircraft boarding area were close to each other.
"If people want to pay more for car parking, if they want to walk great distances from the car to the plane, they should be at Melbourne airport," he said.
But spokeswoman Brooke Lord said Melbourne airport offered close proximity to the city, extensive services and retail outlets, as well as cheap fares.
"Why compromise? You don't need to go all the way to Geelong to get a cheap fare," she said.
It is understood that Melbourne airport managers are miffed because Jetstar has been marketing its base as Melbourne Avalon, when the airport is 55km from the city and only 20km from Geelong.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said the Melbourne branding was needed to educate its Sydney and Brisbane markets.
Mr Westaway said Melbourne would be the only Australian city to have two airports offering major passenger jet services.
"You've got the best of both worlds. For Victorians it's a great opportunity, and with the population base around the Geelong area, Avalon is a logical thing," he said.
The first Jestar flight to Avalon is due to arrive at 7.55am from Sydney tomorrow, while the first flight out will be the 8.30am to Sydney followed by the 9.30am to Brisbane.
Avalon will have 35 Jetstar return services and carry about 8000 passengers a week, compared with 123 return flights for the no-frills airline from Melbourne airport.
Linfox Airports managing director David Fox said Avalon, which includes a cafeteria and a 900-space car park, was ready for operation after its $5.5 million make-over.
A connecting bus ser vice from Melbourne will cost $12 on Sunbus, but a service to Geelong is yet to be finalised.
It is expected that most Avalon passengers will either park at the airport or be dropped off.
John Masanauskas, aviation reporter
31may04
A BATTLE of the airports has erupted as Avalon gears up for its first Jetstar flights tomorrow.
Avalon managing director Tim Anderson yesterday rejected Melbourne airport's claim that passengers choosing Avalon would get less comfort and services.
"There's absolutely no compromise whatsoever, particularly with car parking," he said.
"Here it's $10 for the first day and $5 a day thereafter, while the short-term car park at Melbourne airport costs $35 a day."
Mr Anderson said Avalon passengers would save time because the car park, terminal and aircraft boarding area were close to each other.
"If people want to pay more for car parking, if they want to walk great distances from the car to the plane, they should be at Melbourne airport," he said.
But spokeswoman Brooke Lord said Melbourne airport offered close proximity to the city, extensive services and retail outlets, as well as cheap fares.
"Why compromise? You don't need to go all the way to Geelong to get a cheap fare," she said.
It is understood that Melbourne airport managers are miffed because Jetstar has been marketing its base as Melbourne Avalon, when the airport is 55km from the city and only 20km from Geelong.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said the Melbourne branding was needed to educate its Sydney and Brisbane markets.
Mr Westaway said Melbourne would be the only Australian city to have two airports offering major passenger jet services.
"You've got the best of both worlds. For Victorians it's a great opportunity, and with the population base around the Geelong area, Avalon is a logical thing," he said.
The first Jestar flight to Avalon is due to arrive at 7.55am from Sydney tomorrow, while the first flight out will be the 8.30am to Sydney followed by the 9.30am to Brisbane.
Avalon will have 35 Jetstar return services and carry about 8000 passengers a week, compared with 123 return flights for the no-frills airline from Melbourne airport.
Linfox Airports managing director David Fox said Avalon, which includes a cafeteria and a 900-space car park, was ready for operation after its $5.5 million make-over.
A connecting bus ser vice from Melbourne will cost $12 on Sunbus, but a service to Geelong is yet to be finalised.
It is expected that most Avalon passengers will either park at the airport or be dropped off.