Avalon Airport has launched its new international terminal, with AirAsia flights commencing in early December.
The terminal construction has involved:
- 1100 workers on the site
- 126 different subcontractors engaged
- Building floor area: 6,370sqm with a 985sqm mezzanine
- 364 ton of steel
- 3000m³ of concrete
- 3800m of cable tray
- 55000m of communications cable
- 30000m of power cable
- 1500m of in slab hearing loops
- 350m of optic fibre
The total cost of the build amounts to around $48 million, with considerable contributions made by the Commonwealth Government of $20 million, and the Victorian Government.
Since the operations were announced in February 2018 by then Treasurer the Hon Scott Morrison MP, more than 63,500 work hours have been spent on construction in the lead up to the 5 December inaugural AirAsia flight.
AirAsia estimates around 500,000 international passengers will pass through Avalon Airport in the first year of operation.
“One of the most important considerations for a build of this nature is getting the design and design intent correct in the first instance,” Qanstruct Project Manager, Trent Franks, said.
The design consultants formed a broad base of expertise, from architects to structural and services engineers; from security to acoustics experts.
The state-of-the-art terminal has plenty of space to expand once new airlines come on board. It includes two duty free stores, TRS facilities, a full bar and café, and is the first airport in Australia to offer intelligent CT cabin baggage screening to international travellers.
It will provide international passengers with easier access and more affordable travel to Melbourne, Geelong and the Great Ocean Road, adding greatly to the country’s visitor economy, while providing easier and affordable access to international travel for people living in Geelong and many suburbs of Melbourne.
“Our mission is to be the best small airport in the world by providing passengers the service they expect of an international airport with the best price and greater efficiency,” Avalon Airport CEO, Justin Giddings, said.
“This terminal has room for expansion, and we look forward to announcing further routes, and to housing further airlines in the future.”
Linfox Airports Executive Chairman, David Fox, said, “The partnership with AirAsia is a significant moment for not just Avalon Airport, but the entire region.
“These operations will produce a significant boost to jobs in the region, provide new tourism to regional areas, and provide an opportunity for exporters to have quicker and easier access to Asian markets.”
