AirAsia to transition its Melbourne services to Avalon Airport
AIRASIA has confirmed it will transition its twice daily Melbourne (Australia) services from Tullamarine Airport to Avalon Airport from Dec 5 this year, at the same time launching the first ever services from Victoria's second international airport.
Operated by AirAsia's long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, the double daily return services departing Kuala Lumpur's klia2 (mid morning and evening) will deliver guests from Malaysia and Asean closer to one of Australia's top tourism drawcards, the Great Ocean Road, while continuing to provide convenient and affordable access to downtown Melbourne.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail made the announcement at Tune Hotel klia2 on July 10, in the presence of numerous tourism, airport and industry officials including Councillor Bruce Harwood, Mayor for the City of Greater Geelong, Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia and Justin Giddings, CEO of Avalon Airport, at a media event to promote Victoria, the Great Ocean Road and its surroundings. Also present was AirAsia X Group Head of Commercial Barry Klipp.
"As the flagship carrier to launch international services from Avalon Airport, this is a game changer for consumers, for tourism and for the industry. We're confident that our great value fares to and from Melbourne, will prove popular with Australians wanting to fly to KL or connect to our global network of 130 popular leisure destinations and conversely, Asean will benefit from consistently affordable and convenient access to Victoria.
"Value, innovation and choice are at the heart of everything we do. We are very pleased to be moving our Melbourne services to the state of the art new facilities at Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia, ensuring we can continue to provide great value airfares for our guests and look at potential opportunities to grow our Melbourne services in the future.
"Avalon Airport has many advantages including a hassle free, streamlined arrivals and departures area and location close to one of Australia's greatest tourism icons - the Great Ocean Road, at the same time retaining convenient access to the downtown CBD.
"To celebrate, we have put airfares on sale to Melbourne (Avalon Airport) starting from only RM199* all-in one-way which is the lowest ever seen on this route from AirAsia.
He continued, "Our target is to carry half a million guests in the first year of operation, and we're already reviewing other exciting destinations we could potentially launch from Avalon in the future."
Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings said, "The new international terminal construction is well underway. At almost 9,000 sq m, it will house state of the art facilities with the latest innovations in customs equipment and processes, as well as a fantastic choice of Duty Free shopping and food and beverage options. We can't wait to welcome AirAsia as our first international tenant as well as guests from Malaysia and around the world to our new international terminal."
A special promotion to Melbourne with all-in fares from as low as RM199* one-way is available for booking on airasia.com from now until July 15, 2018, for travel from Dec 5, 2018 to Aug 13, 2019.
The airline has changed the destination airport at Melbourne, Australia from Tullamarine Airport (Airport code MEL) to Avalon Airport (Airport code AVV) in its booking system for flights departing Dec 5 onwards. Flight D7 218 from Kuala Lumpur will be the first service into Avalon Airport scheduled to arrive Melbourne on the morning of Dec 5, 2018.
Guests booked to travel with AirAsia X to/from Melbourne from Dec 5 onwards will be contacted directly by the airline and provided with their new travel details including a range of provisions should they wish to change their travel plans.
Guests can always reach out to AirAsia through official channels published on support.airasia.com.
Keep up to date with AirAsia's latest promotions and activities via Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia).
*Promotional all-in-fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes. Subject to government and regulatory approvals. Terms and conditions apply.
About Avalon Airport
Avalon Airport is located approximately 50 minutes from Melbourne's CBD and 43 kilometres away from Torquay - gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The new international terminal will feature state of the art facilities when it opens for operations on Dec 5 when AirAsia's first services take flight.