Inaugural Citilink flight touches down at Melbourne Avalon

The first Citilink flight landed at Melbourne Avalon Airport today, launching a new low cost daily direct flight to Denpasar, Bali for Victorians.

A subsidiary of Garuda, Citilink inaugural flight QG560 touched down this morning, with Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings and Citilink Vice President of Sales and Distribution Mrs Amalia Yaksa on board, as well as some Avalon staff.

The flight was welcomed with Balinese dancing, Citilink branded cupcakes and special guests and Avalon stakeholders.

Enormous support has been offered to Avalon Airport by both state and federal governments over the last few years, and the Hon. John Eren MP and Senator Sarah Henderson spoke at the event, as did Indonesian Consul General Spica Tutuhatunewa.

The state-of-the-art Airbus A320NEO, carrying 178 passengers and cargo will arrive daily at Avalon Melbourne at 8:50am and depart for Denpasar at 12:50pm local time.

Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings:

"This morning's flight marks Citilink's first flights into the eastern states of Australia, and we're thrilled to be offering them a home here. For years Bali has been one of the most requested destinations from Avalon, and it is certainly one of the most popular for Victorians to fly to. We're excited to provide people from Melbourne and Geelong a new quality low cost alternative to one of their favourite holiday spots.

Avalon Airport Executive Chairman David Fox:

We are Victorians for Victorians. We have invested more than $100 million in upgrading the airport's facilities and infrastructure. Our priority is to provide holiday-goers with a much easier and cheaper option to travel both internationally and interstate.

Citilink Indonesia CEO Juliandra Nurtjahjo:

We are thrilled to launch our new route connecting between Denpasar and Melbourne. Citilink has become the first airline serving Denpasar and Avalon Airport route and we hope this will provide more options for people who want to visit Denpasar and vice versa

The new services are projected to add 123,480 seats to and from Bali in 2020, contributing to a forecast 19.7% growth in seats between Victoria and the Indonesian hot-spot.

According to official Customs data, in 2019 Avalon proved flying made easy for 162,397 residents that used the new AirAsia service between Kuala Lumpur and Avalon.

Victorians will appreciate Citilink's all-inclusive fares which begin at $289 one way. Taxes, 20kg luggage and meal are included in this fare, and until the end of March surf boards are included for free.**

**T&Cs apply