Fly Pelican will fly to Avalon three times a week. Photo: Fly Pelican.
Canberrans will soon be able to fly direct to Avalon Airport in Melbourne’s west, the gateway to tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road and the Bellerine Peninsula.
Canberra Airport has announced that regional carrier Fly Pelican will launch direct flights to Avalon from 26 October, offering three services a week – Thursday, Friday and Sunday – to suit weekend travel.
It states that the new route will provide greater connectivity between the ACT and Victoria’s growing western corridor, with a schedule designed to support both business and leisure travellers.
Flight prices start from $250.
Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, Michael Thomson, said the new service had reciprocal benefits for Canberra and Victoria.
“We’re very pleased to partner with Fly Pelican and Melbourne Avalon Airport to introduce direct flights to Avalon,” he said.
“This route opens new opportunities for travellers from both regions – whether it’s accessing the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong, or welcoming Victorians to explore all that Canberra has to offer.”
Mr Thomson said the new route was part of the Airport’s long-term vision to grow domestic travel opportunities and better serve the national capital.
Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Andrew Barr stated that the Avalon route strengthens Canberra’s connectivity, benefiting both visitors and the local community.
“This service makes it easier for many regional Victorians to travel to Canberra,” he said.
“I’m particularly pleased that Canberra will be better connected to the second-largest city in Victoria, Geelong.
“The new flights will further support our growing tourism industry, supporting more local jobs, which is good news for everyone.”
Fly Pelican CEO Marty Hawley said the airline was continuing to expand and offer new services.
“This is an exciting step for Fly Pelican as we strengthen our regional network,” he said.
“We’re proud to provide the very first direct link between Canberra and Avalon – two dynamic regions with strong business and tourism appeal.”
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the new services would make travel between Victoria and the ACT easier for business, government and leisure travellers alike, without needing to cross the city to other airports.
Fly Pelican is based in Newcastle and services destinations across NSW, as well as Canberra, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
It operates a fleet of Jetstream 32 turboprop aircraft, seating 19 passengers and featuring two flight crew members.
