LONDON – The Qantas Group and Melbourne Airport have reached a new commercial agreement covering access to the airport’s international terminal and runways for Qantas and Jetstar.
The agreement
The three-year agreement will enable Qantas and Jetstar to continue operating international flights from Melbourne’s Terminal 2 as well as use the runways for domestic, regional and international services.
The Group has separate agreements for access to the airport’s domestic terminals for Qantas (T1) and Jetstar (T4), which are ongoing.
The new agreement coincides with Qantas’ launch of a new Melbourne to Dallas-Fort Worth route, which begins a three-times weekly service from tomorrow and follows the start of Melbourne-Delhi route last year.
The Group is now flying direct to 14 international destinations from Melbourne.
Qantas Group Chief Financial Officer Vanessa Hudson said the new agreement would support the recovery back to pre-COVID levels of international flying as well as creating new opportunities for growth.
“Tullamarine has been a key international hub for Qantas for more than 50 years and we’re pleased to have reached an agreement which will see us continue to grow our operations in Melbourne,” said Vanessa Hudson.
“The new Dallas-Fort Worth service is a great example, opening another connection for Melbourne to North America.”
“We’ve had constructive discussions with Melbourne Airport as we’ve worked through this agreement about improving efficiency and customer experience, and we’re grateful for their support as we restore our international flying back to pre-COVID levels.”
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive, Lorie Argus said the agreement would help improve the passenger experience, by allowing the airport to continue its investment in terminal and airfield infrastructure.
“We’re pleased to have been able to sign a three-year agreement that is uniquely targeted to support the post pandemic recovery of the aviation sector.”
“As an airport we want to see our airlines doing well, which is why we have worked so proactively on an agreement that maximises the opportunities to turn recovery into growth.”
“Melbourne is a natural fit for airlines looking to grow their business and we are delighted to see the Qantas Group expanding its footprint out of Victoria.”
Melbourne Airport expansion
Melbourne Airport recently made public its plans for runway and infrastructure expansion. The airport facility is one of the key Australian ‘gateway’ hubs for international passenger arrivals.
The 2022 Master Plan confirms Melbourne Airport’s third runway being built in a north-south direction, with safeguarding for a fourth runway in an east-west direction in what’s known as the “hashtag configuration”.
Melbourne Airport now plans to submit its proposal to build the third runway to the Commonwealth for consideration early in the new year.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the updated Master Plan would help ensure Victoria’s primary international gateway remains fit for purpose.
