Jetstar celebrates the return of its Avalon-Brisbane flights

There was champagne, a band and colourful outfits as Jetstar launched its latest flights from Avalon on Friday – but no mention of when international flights will be back at the airport.

Jetstar brought the party to Avalon Airport on Friday as it celebrated the launch of daily flights to Brisbane. Picture: Brad Fleet.

The return of international flights at Avalon appears a long way off, with the airport’s boss conceding the site currently doesn’t have the connectivity needed to attract airlines.

Linfox Airports’ executive chairman David Fox made the comments at the launch of Jetstar’s daily return flights to Brisbane on Friday.

Mr Fox said the airport, which is currently without a permanent chief executive following the departure of Tony Brun, was talking with several carriers.

That is a significant step back from comments he made in October last year, where he said an announcement could be made “within days”.

Mr Fox, the son of Linfox founder Lindsay, said international flights would return one day, he just could not say when.

“We’re looking at opportunities,” he said.

“You need connectivity … people fly into the country, then they fly around the country, we don’t have that opportunity at the present moment in time.

“Our plan and strategy is to develop that, without a doubt, and we’ll have discussions with all parties.”

Avalon Airport executive chairman David Fox. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Mr Fox said Geelong residents who eagerly awaited an announcement should not temper their enthusiasm.

“Their enthusiasm is what we need,” he said.

“We need the people to raise their voices, we want domestic, we want international, we have the catchment, we need to find partners who want to be part of it.

“We are patient …(but) sooner the better.”

Jetstar’s Avalon-Brisbane flights, announced in March, marks the discount carrier’s 100th route.

It previously flew the route a decade ago.

A number of business leaders were on hand for the event, including Committee for Geelong boss Michael Johnston and Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jeremy Crawford.

They were joined by Victorian Jobs and Industry Minister Natalie Hutchins, Lara MP Ella George, and Geelong council chief executive Ali Wastie.

Ali Wastie, Ella George, Natalie Hutchins, Avalon Airport acting CEO Ari Suss, Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully and David Fox were all smiles at the launch. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Jetstar boss Stephanie Tully said she expected a strong uptake from Victorians seeking warmer weather during winter.

The Brisbane flights add to its Sydney and the Gold Coast services.

Jetstar is the sole operator at Avalon currently, following the recent collapse of Bonza.

“Creating a direct link between Melbourne Avalon Airport and Brisbane will provide even more options for Victorians wanting to travel to Queensland at an affordable price,” Ms Tully said.

The daily flights depart Avalon at 7.30pm, arriving 9.40pm.

Ms Hutchins would not say how much financial support the state government was providing.

“I think Avalon has a huge future in the state’s economy,” she said.

“We want to see more flights, we want to see international operations here eventually, we know that is going to bring more businesses here in this precinct – watch this space.”

Ms Tully said there was potential for the airline to launch international flights from Avalon at some point.

“As an airline, what you do is look at supply and demand, so there’s absolutely potential for the future,” she said.

“We just need to prove the business case that’s there’s the right demand, the right support for us to grow internationally here.”

Originally published as Jetstar celebrates the return of its Avalon-Brisbane flights