Avalon Airport west of Melbourne will cut its user fees in an attempt to attract more general aviation and charter movements.
For light aircraft, the landing fee has been decreased from $100 to as low as $30, a 70% reduction. Training flight fees, for light aircraft pilots to practise runway approaches and departures, are being reduced 25%, from $20 to $15. Landing fees for typical medium-sized charter aircraft have been cut from $100 to $60, a 40% reduction. Bigger corporate jets and airliners see their fees reduced by 15%
Victorian Minister for the Aviation Industry Gordon Rich-Phillips said the decision to cut fees at Avalon t will boost demand for ancillary support services and value-adding pilot training activities, providing incentives for more pilots to operate from the airport.
“These are the benefits from robust competition in the Victorian aviation sector," he said. “Victoria is the home of aviation in Australia. Where other states are running out of space at airports, Victoria leads the way with open skies and vigorous general aviation, commercial charter and airline sectors.
“Avalon Airport is Victoria’s second, curfew-free major airport and is increasingly important as a general aviation hub.”
According to Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings, the fee cuts are designed to increase the mix of aircraft operating from the airport.
"We're known as the home of the Australian International Air Show," he said. "We'll also be known around Australia as one of the best equipped and most affordable airports too.
"Whether you're flying a Cessna or an Airbus, Avalon welcomes you."