Melbourne Airport CEO calls for further competition amid record numbers

Melbourne, Australia - December 10, 2016: Melbourne airport check-in zone
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Traveller numbers through Melbourne Airport hit a new post-pandemic high in July, with more than 2.9 million people passing through the terminals as the airport’s CEO called for more competition.

    Lorie Argus, the chief executive at the airport, said more international competition would increase options for Australian travellers and exporters.

    “We believe there is significant potential for improved access to Australia, and Melbourne in particular, through Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” Argus said.

    Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO

    “Liberalising the Bilateral Air Service Agreements process through an open skies approach would significantly improve Australia’s connectivity with the world.

    “The current framework adopts a “just-in-time” approach to capacity decisions but given the long lead
    times required to establish new services, having negotiations undertaken well in advance would provide
    airlines with certainty and help improve viability.

    “This would improve outcomes for passengers by encouraging international airlines to actively compete in
    our market to provide the best price, enhanced service and improved reliability for customers.”

    For the first time since the onset of COVID, Melbourne Airport processed a monthly total of more than two million domestic passengers, while international traveller numbers surpassed 900,000.

    The overall number represents 90 per cent of the passengers carried in July 2019, with domestic traffic at 90 per cent and international travellers at 92 per cent of the pre-pandemic figure.

    International travel was heavily weighted to arrivals (55%), reflecting the end of winter school holidays and the return of overseas students.

    The top countries for non-Australian passport arrivals into Melbourne were China, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

    To help cater for future passenger growth, Melbourne Airport has submitted plans for a parallel north-south runway.

    Subject to government approval, it is hoped the runway will open in 2030.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]