Melbourne Airport is moving against the air travel decline reported from around the world and around Australia. The first quarter saw good domestic passenger growth and international passenger performance that was remarkably better than many airports.
While Melbourne is not immune to downward economic and travel trends, the fact Melbourne Airport is continuing to experience growth suggests we are either avoiding or delaying the trend. Both options are good news.
Tiger Airways this week celebrates its first anniversary operating in Australia from its Melbourne hub and has put some exceptional first birthday air fares into the market. Originally seen as a leisure airline, it is picking up more and more business travellers attracted to its direct flights and low fares.
Malaysia's AirAsia X commenced Melbourne services from its Kuala Lumpur hub last week with excellent fares and almost full aircraft. Carrying Australians across its extensive Asian network, it will bring a wide range of Asian visitors to Melbourne.
Qantas’ remarkable '2 for 1' offer for international travel includes economy and business class tickets. This represents half price travel to some of the most desirable destinations in the world.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will commence Melbourne services in March 2009 with fares to Europe at prices not seen for several years.
These are only some of the deals available and many airlines are offering good value travel options for 2009, including popular holiday spots in Europe and the USA.
Low fares work for Australians travelling overseas and also attract international travellers to use Melbourne as their Australian gateway, utilising Melbourne Airport’s excellent domestic connections and the convenience of a single terminal precinct.
In addition to international services Melbourne currently has more flights to Tasmania than ever before. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger all operate Melbourne to Launceston with some great fares for short breaks or longer holidays to Tasmania.