The Australian’ Prime Minister’s recent announcement of his pledge to support and grow Avalon Airport

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott will help pilot the push to land an international airline at Avalon Airport. In an exclusive interview with the Geelong Advertiser, the PM yesterday gave the strongest indication yet from Canberra of support for Avalon's global ambition. His two key commitments were to bankroll works needed at the airport, when an international carrier was lured and take Avalon chief executive Justin Giddings with him to Asia next year to woo airlines as part of a prime ministerial trade mission. Mr Abbott's show of faith will help the airport, which last week convinced its only domestic carrier, Jetstar, to stand by it, thanks to an $11 million deal, half- funded by the State Government. "Attract the airlines and we will build the facilities," Mr Abbott said. "The airport needs to attract more airlines to use it. "If the airport could attract an international carrier we would build the appropriate infrastructure for that to be viable, but they've got to get a carrier to say `we will fly in and out of Avalon', and thus far it hasn't, unfortunately, happened. "We want Avalon to be a viable airport for Melbourne and Geelong. We are only too happy to assist but we've got to get the airlines, and if the airlines indicate a readiness to travel in and out of Avalon, well, then obviously we'll do whatever we have to do as a federal government to facilitate that." Jetstar last week agreed to stay at Avalon at least until the end of April, 2015, but Mr Abbott said there was no time line on his offer "As far as I'm concerned, there's no deadline. Whenever they get the flights we'll give them the infrastructure they need." he said. Mr Giddings said the PM's comments had boosted the confidence of everyone involved in the airport after last month's Qantas maintenance job cuts and conjecture over Jetstar's future. He said Mr Abbott flew into Avalon early yesterday morning and personally invited him to be a member of the trade delegation. "It's a great privilege and fantastic opportunity," he said. "He didn't have to do that. It was not something we had requested - it was something he offered and we are very grateful. "Having been on trade delegations with the Premier before I know how valuable they can be. Going on one with the Prime Minister really is the ultimate business event. "I will do my very best to ensure we use this opportunity to try to attract airlines and international business." Mr Abbott said the trip would happen in the first half of next year. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au) Geelong Advertiser, Geelong VIC 17 Dec 2013, by Greg Dundas General News, page 1 - 402.37 cm² Regional - circulation 22,057 (MTWTFS-) ID 228419070 BRIEF LINFOX-1 INDEX 1 PAGE 2 of 2