Melbourne reports strong int’l growth in Aug-2011

Australia's Melbourne Airport reports strong international growth - traffic highlights in Aug-2011:

• Passenger numbers: 2.2 million, n/a;
• • Domestic: 1.8 million, -4.0%;
  • International: 531,842, +11.5%.

Strong growth in international passengers was driven by Indonesian passport holders, which increased 86% year-on-year, China increased 32%, Philippines by 30%, Ireland by 20%, South Korea by 13%, Japan by 13% and Thailand by 10%. Travel by Australian passport holders increased by 14%. Domestically, Melbourne traffic suffered due to the interruption to Tiger Airways' domestic operations and the process of rebuilding their domestic services.

Melbourne Airport: "Our international growth continues to be driven by Asia. Passport-holders from Indonesia, the Philippines and China all grew by more than 30%. Tourism Victoria forecasts that India, China, Malaysia and Indonesia will be key regions over the net 10-20 years for international visitor growth. Recent announcements by Jetstar and China Southern regarding increased Melbourne-China services as well as Qantas' new international strategy are evidence that the focus for growth in squarely within the Asia Pacific region," Chris Woodruff, CEO. Source: Melbourne Airport, 20-Sep-2011.