More support needed for direct flights as emirates airlines launches new services [03.02.2009]
The State government should back up its support for airlines providing direct flights to Melbourne by directing MPs and public servants to utilise existing flight services and further build demand, according to Committee for Melbourne CEO, Ms Sally Capp.
The decision by Emirates Airlines to introduce another direct service into Melbourne daily was a huge boost to the State and deserved support from all sectors, she said.
Ms Capp said there were currently 23 airlines providing international services to Melbourne, with 21 carriers providing direct flights in and out of Australia but many travellers still chose to connect through Sydney where they had to change terminals, significantly adding to total travel times.
“We need to encourage more direct services by boosting passenger demand for them,” Ms Capp said.
“Direct flights have huge benefits for the State in terms of greater efficiency for business travellers and also boosting Melbourne’s profile for tourism,” she said.
“That translates to reductions in costs and increases in profits, and that’s a fantastic thing, especially in the current financial climate,” Ms Capp said.
“The Government can lead the way by directing its MPs and government officials to fly direct wherever possible,” she said.
Ms Capp said that Melbourne was the only city with continuing positive growth in passenger numbers each month since September last year, when the global financial crisis began to have an impact in Australia.
If demand continues to increase, Melbourne has the capacity to accommodate more direct flights with its $330million international terminal expansion project due for completion in 2012. The project will double the size of the existing international terminal and provide capability to 2020, she said.