The event comprises two separate, but concurrent, major international events – the Australian International Airshow, which is conducted by Aviation Development Australia Limited, and the Australian International Aerospace and Defence Exposition, conducted by Aerospace Australia Limited.

Both are not-for-profit organisations established to promote the development of aviation and Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and communications technology resources with respect to aerospace, aviation and defence.

The event has firmly established an international reputation as being among the most comprehensive and significant aviation, aerospace and defence events in the Asia Pacific Region.

Some 600 participating exhibitor companies from around the world will promote their products, services and technologies as part of the exposition at Avalon. The event attracts an international audience of government, military and industry leaders, with delegations from around 20 countries attending.

• The exclusive industry only trade days are from Tuesday March 10-Friday March 13
• The gates open to the general public from 2pm on Friday March 15 until Sunday March 15

The event combines the serious business of aviation, aerospace and defence, with the action-packed excitement and high-powered entertainment of the aerial spectacular presented by the Airshow.

Some of the world’s best professional airshow performers will be taking part, along with the military might of the Australian Defence Forces, and in particular, the Royal Australian Air Force.

There is also significant military representation from the United States, New Zealand, Singapore and India.

For more information about Avalon 2009 go to www.airshow.com.au

Avalon Airport is in the process of applying to the Federal Government for the establishment of an international passenger terminal.

The proposed development is a 7,300 m2 international passenger terminal with external areas for baggage handling facilities. The international terminal will include an entrance foyer; facilities for passenger security screening, customs, passport control, quarantine, passenger lounges, retail and café amenities. The proposed international passenger terminal will be located to the east of the existing domestic terminal.

Avalon Airport will be engaging in a public consultation process over the coming months. At these forums, members of the public will have an opportunity to provide input into the proposed development. Details of the forums will be made available in due course. Avalon Airport will also continue to brief and consult relevant Local, State and Federal Government representatives in relation to the proposed international terminal.

It is anticipated that the proposed international terminal will not impact the operations of the airport during construction. At this stage no information is available in relation to international carriers or air flights. However, information will be released on our website as and when it becomes available.

In early 1997, Linfox purchased a 100 year lease of Avalon Airport. At that time the airport had only 150 people employed on a full time basis.

Today, over 1,400 people are employed full time, plus hundreds more in downstream industries supporting Avalon Airport activities. In less than a decade – Avalon Airport has become a major employment and economic centre of the Melbourne – Geelong Corridor.

Avalon is the location for Qantas’ Boeing 747 maintenance base. Operating 365 days a year, 16 hours a day, there are now three 747 hangars used by Qantas for aircraft maintenance operations.

In conjunction with these aircraft maintenance activities Avalon continues to pursue many other business opportunities.

Avalon Airport continues to work towards establishing the facility as an international airfreight centre and undertake international airfreight movements, particularly for freight associated with major Melbourne events like the Formula One Grand Prix.

Avalon is home to the Australian International Airshow held every two years. In March Avalon will host the 9th Australian International Airshow, involving around 200,000 visitors, from over 50 countries.
Since acquiring the airport many millions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure.

On 1July 2004, the first Jetstar passengers arrived to Avalon, commencing domestic passenger operations. Since that time around 3 million passengers have passed through Avalon’s terminals.