Latest news with #LorieArgus
Herald Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Melbourne Airport: ‘Tipping point' could fast-track airport rail link
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News. Post-Covid traffic congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway and the airport's record growth path are likely to propel a $13 billion rail link to a faster track, Melbourne Airport says. Chief executive Lorie Argus said the Commonwealth was assessing whether extra traffic meant the Tulla's 'tipping point' for chaos would occur before 2036, when previous modelling predicted the freeway would be full. Ms Argus said anecdotal evidence and higher-than-expected post-pandemic international passenger growth meant the date was expected to be revised forward, and she expected rail line planning would be aligned. The Canadian-born chief executive strongly backed the long-awaited rail link during an interview with the Herald Sun to mark the airport's 55 year anniversary being celebrated on Tuesday. Ms Argus said the airport's success has grown steadily since its first flight arrived from Rome in 1970, and growth would be turbocharged over the next two decades — at which point about 74 million passengers a year would arrive and depart its terminals. Over its 55-year history, Ms Argus said international travel had transformed from an expensive luxury to a relatively affordable experience prioritised by millions, and that the pandemic had shifted society's preference for experiences over physical goods. 'Even though we are in a crunch, from an inflation and a cost of living perspective, the one thing that the pandemic has taught us is people are prioritising themselves and their experience over other things,' she said. International passenger numbers have soared following Covid-19, and outpaced expectations. As a result, Ms Argus said a major overhaul of the terminals and space inside the airport, which will be updated once a new road entrance to major terminals opens next year, was more imperative. 'I think it'll be the biggest growth period the airport's ever seen,' she said. 'We've done as many renovations as we can within the space that we have, but step change is now required.' A new road being built for passenger drop-offs at terminals 1, 2 and 3 is set to open next year, which will allow the airport to be expanded to 'bring the building out' to the forecourt. Ms Argus said a third runway opening in 2031 would slowly add to what is already a painful drive along the Tulla in peak periods. 'Post Covid, traffic hasn't gotten any lighter … there's more vehicle ownership, there's more people driving,' she said. Previously modelling suggested 2036 would be when roads would be choked by traffic, but Ms Argus said if revised modelling — commissioned by the Commonwealth — found it has shifted forward 'then it's important we just get on with it'. 'What's the tipping point and how do we work back from that to make sure we have that train open and operating as practically reasonably as possible within the time frame that those congestion points occur,' she said. 'Ideally, it'll be as close to 2031 as possible. We have to make sure that we've got access solved for the long term.'
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Airlines, Melbourne Airport sign MoU to enhance connectivity
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Melbourne Airport have formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the carrier's strategic expansion into Victoria, representing a key milestone in enhancing air connectivity and ties between Malaysia and Australia. The collaboration signifies the commencement of an enhanced strategic partnership aimed at expanding Malaysia Airlines' network and strengthening its position as a pivotal transit hub in Kuala Lumpur for travellers from Victoria to Malaysia and other international destinations. As part of its expansion strategy, Malaysia Airlines will introduce a third daily service to Melbourne starting October, increasing its total frequency to 21 weekly flights from 14 currently. This enhanced connectivity underscores the airline's commitment to the Australian market and solidifies its position as the preferred carrier between Malaysia and Victoria. Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer of airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said this collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Malaysia Airlines as the carrier expands its network with the introduction of a third daily service to Melbourne. 'Through our partnership with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This initiative will strengthen ties between Malaysia and Australia, supporting cultural, business, and tourism exchanges, and creating new opportunities for both regions,' he said in a statement. To support this growth, Malaysia Airlines will progressively deploy its brand-new A330neo aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur–Melbourne route, aiming to operate all 21 weekly flights using the new fleet by the end of the year. Travellers can look forward to greater flexibility and improved connections via Kuala Lumpur to key destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and Europe. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the increase in Malaysia Airlines services would be welcomed by travellers and exporters. 'Malaysia Airlines has been serving Victoria for decades, and this capacity increase underscores the airline's ongoing commitment to our city and state. It speaks to the importance of the Victorian market that Malaysia Airlines plans Malaysia Airlines plans to use its newest aircraft, featuring the latest onboard product, for its enhanced Melbourne services.' The MoU also sets the stage for joint promotional campaigns aimed at increasing travel demand and boosting passenger numbers between Malaysia and Victoria. Through targeted marketing efforts, both parties aim to raise awareness, drive revenue, and further strengthen the partnership. The collaboration is aligned with Malaysia Airlines' strategy to expand its international presence and deliver a seamless, premium travel experience, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Australia.
