Geelong Indy - 20th May 2016

Page 1

Friday 20 May 2016

5249 6700 indy@geelongindy.com.au

geelongindy.com.au

‘Bureaucracy’ kills Chinese flight plan

Avalon’s take-off ‘stalled’ standing with Hong Kong airline Hainan,� he said. The MOU with Hainan in 2011 raised hopes of Avalon going international, with a Federal Government commitment to providing customs and quarantine services. HNA Group’s Hainan Airlines is China’s fourth largest airline, with nearly 500 aircraft covering more than 570 domestic and international routes. Mr Giddings said Avalon would be “released� if it was reclassified as a regional airport. He said the classification was “bureaucratic decision� based on the premise that Avalon served Melbourne. “It’s not the golden ticket but it is one of those frustrations that would help if it was removed,� Mr Giddings told the Geelong Indy. “Even if it was for a temporary period or for a maximum number of airlines it would help get things started. “Most people would consider Avalon as more of a regional airport than Cairns, Adelaide and Gold Coast. Continued page 6

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN A Federal Government classification of Avalon Airport as a major international gateway is restricting its chances of attracting an international airline. Avalon is classified at the same level as Melbourne Airport, meaning airlines have restricted capacity compared to regional airfields. Airports such as Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin are all classified as regional gateways. The Federal Government offers incentives to international airlines through the Regional Air Access Package. Avalon chief Justin Giddings told a Geelong Chamber of Commerce briefing for shadow treasurer Chris Bowen that this was the reason an agreement with a Chinese carrier collapsed. Mr Giddings said because Avalon faced capacity restrictions because it was classified as a major international gateway. “Avalon Airport is being held back by bilateral agreements. It killed the memorandum of under-

Elly’s eye on the Olympics Elly Bayes will lead five locals in the Victorian team at national gymnastics championships in Melbourne next week but has her sights set on a much bigger prize. (Nadia Boyce)

FULL STORY PAGE 33

Geelong’s young app guru on way to $100m PAGE 3

Kite Machine flying high on tour playing new songs PAGE 20

START OF SEASON SALE! >L OH]L KL]LSVWLYZ ^HU[PUN [V I\`

‹ (JYLZ ‹ )SVJRZ VM -SH[Z ‹ *VY ULY )SVJRZ ‹ =HJHU[ )SVJRZ ‹ <UYLUV]H[LK 7LYPVK /VTLZ *HSS 7L[LY 1\SPHU ;VKH` WO!

Phone: 5244 0111 Shop 4/147 Marshalltown Rd, Grovedale

For servicing and repairs with manufacturer’s warranty not affected see Geelong’s Ford Specialist.

T J B “The dealer alternative�

1072213-PJ18-13

UP TO 50% OFF STOREWIDE

FORD OWNERS

1214763-DJ18-16

FRIDAY 20Th, SATURDAY 21ST & SUnDAY 22nD MAY

5244 3337 8 Maxwell Ave, Belmont 1064920-KG9-13


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.