Ocean Grove man launches petition for Jetstar to bring back flights from Avalon to Hobart

An Ocean Grove man in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend in Tasmania has launched a petition for Jetstar to bring back flights between Avalon and Hobart.

A petition has been launched for Jetstar to bring back flights from Avalon to Hobart.

An Ocean Grove man in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend in Tasmania is urging Jetstar to bring back flights from Avalon to Hobart, with the airport saying there is “overwhelming” demand for the route.

Asher Peterson, 20, has launched a petition for the budget carrier to reintroduce flights to Tasmania’s capital.

His girlfriend, Darienne Reid, moved to Hobart five months ago to study environmental science.

Mr Peterson has flown to Tasmania five times to visit her since she moved interstate.

He drives about two hours from Ocean Grove to Tullamarine and said it could take another 40 minutes to find a car park.

Asher Peterson (right) has started a petition to bring back flights from Avalon to Hobart. His girlfriend long distance Darienne Reid (left) lives in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

“It makes it harder knowing there is an easier option (to fly from Avalon),” Mr Peterson said.

“Avalon is only a 40 minute drive for me.”

Jetstar scrapped its four weekly flights from Avalon to Hobart in March 2018 due to low passenger demand.

But Avalon Airport chief executive Tony Brun said there was “overwhelming community demand” for the flight route to recommence.

He said the flight route made it easier and more convenient for customers in regional areas to fly.

“We also see a great advantage for Avalon to Adelaide, another former very popular route in both directions,” Mr Brun said.

Mr Peterson launched a petition on May 22 after others also said they would prefer to fly from Avalon, instead of Tullamarine.

“After a couple of flights, I started hearing other people say they thought it was a hassle to go to Melbourne,” he said.

“My friends and family were also saying they would love to go to Tasmania but going to Tullamarine makes it a bit harder … it’s a lot easier to fly out from Avalon.

“I thought maybe I could try and do something.”

The petition had garnered 250 signature, as of Tuesday afternoon, and Mr Peterson said the response had been “really positive”.

“There are a lot of people sending me messages saying it would be helpful for them as well,” he said.

A Jetstar spokesman said there would be no new route announcements made at this stage.

“We’re always looking at opportunities to strengthen our network of destinations in Australia and overseas,” he said.

Mr Brun said the airport was working with airlines to secure new destinations.

“(This includes) bringing back the very popular Avalon to Sunshine Coast service,” he said.

In March, Jetstar announced flights from Avalon to Brisbane would commence from late June.

To sign the petition, head to change.org/bring-back-flying-from-avalon-to-hobart.

Originally published as Ocean Grove man launches petition for Jetstar to bring back flights from Avalon to Hobart