Melbourne Airport passenger performance for FY 17
04-Sep-2017 Key points:
- 35.15m total passengers
- International passenger traffic grew 8.4 per cent for the year
- Domestic passenger traffic grew 2.1 per cent for the year
- Three new international airlines commenced services in FY2017.
Melbourne Airport has recorded another strong year of passenger growth, surpassing 35 million annual passengers for the first time in the airport's 47-year history.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said the result reinforced the need to build Melbourne Airport's third runway, currently in its planning stage.
"It's a tribute to the original airport planners that we've been able to get to 35 million passengers with the original two-runway system that first opened in 1970. However, we're now coming to the limits of our capacity and we need to expand to meet the aspirations of Melbourne and Victorians," said Mr Strambi.
"The reality is that Melbourne and Victoria are such attractive destinations for international travellers, and so strategically important within the Australian economy, that our passenger volumes are only going to continue to grow - and to do so strongly. We're confident the airport is on track to welcome 60 million passengers annually, as soon as 2033.
"It's essential that this vital piece of Victorian infrastructure continues to grow to meet this forecast demand, which is why we're continuing to invest in the infrastructure and technology necessary to secure the next 20 years of growth for the airport.
"A new runway, along with improvements to the capabilities of existing runways and taxiways, is vital infrastructure that will facilitate continued growth in airline services, particularly from international carriers upgrading their fleets with efficient new-generation aircraft.
"In addition to the airfield, we need to continue investing in new terminal capacity, ensuring that the traveller experience through every terminal of our airport is one that can be enjoyed by visitors, and one which Victorians can feel proud of.
"Our goal for the next 20 years is to capture tourism and travel growth for Victoria, by helping airlines to increase the efficiency of their operations at Melbourne Airport - which ultimately results in lower fares and more choices for travellers," said Mr Strambi.
China continued to be Melbourne's biggest growth market over the past year, with three new Chinese airlines - XiamenAir, Beijing Capital Airlines and Hainan Airlines - all entering the market for the first time.
"These carriers collectively contribute to 171,000 additional seats a year, helping to open Melbourne and Victoria up to our largest international inbound visitor market," said Mr Strambi.
"It was also great to see our local international carriers growing over the past year. Qantas launched its service to Tokyo, Virgin Australia introduced a route into Los Angeles, and Jetstar expanded its offer to passengers with a non-stop service to Ho Chi Minh City.
"We also hit significant milestones with China Airlines and Scoot who completed one full year of service at Melbourne, collectively adding 89,000 seats."
Passenger figures for quarter 4 and 2016/17
| Quarter 4 | Financial Year | Moving Annual Total | |||||||
| 2016/17 ('000) | 2015/16 ('000) | Change % | 2016/17 ('000) | 2015/16 ('000) | Change % | YTD June 17 ('000) | YTD June 16 ('000) | Change % | |
| International | 2,395 | 2,180 | 9.9% | 9,935 | 9,165 | 8.4% | 9,935 | 9,165 | 8.4% |
| Domestic | 6,102 | 5,932 | 2.9% | 25,218 | 24,711 | 2.1% | 25,218 | 24,711 | 2.1% |
| Total | 8,497 | 8,112 | 4.7% | 35,153 | 33,876 | 3.8% | 35,153 | 33,876 | 3.8% |
*Note figures are rounded
Passenger figures for June 2017
| Passengers | June 2017 | June 2016 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 808,619 | 761,199 | 6.2% |
| Domestic | 1,987,826 | 1,932,327 | 2.9% |
| Total (ex transits) | 2,796,445 | 2,693,526 | 3.8% |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to June 2016