Domestic passenger up by 1.7% in July at Melbourne Airport.

Despite the collapse of Rex jet flights in Australia, domestic passenger numbers actually increased slightly at Melbourne Airport, up by 1.7% 

The 1,001,202 international passengers recorded in July is higher than the 995,597 international travellers processed in July 2019, which reflects the increase in airline offerings and capacity in Melbourne. It is also a testament to the expansion programme that is underway at the airport. Overall passenger numbers were up four per cent on the same month in 2023.

July marked the final month of Rex’s capital city jet service, with the company placed into voluntary administration at the end of the month.  In the FY24 financial year, Rex and Bonza carried a total of 1,574,067 passengers between them through Melbourne Airport, which represents 6.5% of all domestic passengers and 4.5% of total passengers for that period.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the numbers highlight the value of supporting domestic airline competition. “Melbourne Airport was proud to have worked with both Rex and Bonza to increase choice for Australian travellers, and it is disappointing that despite our support, both ended in administration."

Juneyao Airlines to start Shanghai - Melbourne service this December

Juneyao Airlines plans to operate a new service linking Shanghai and Melbourne three times a week from 19th December. For the peak travel period in January and February, the airline plans on making it a daily service and that is a welcome addition to the range of airlines operating to and from Melbourne. 

This new route is the first time Juneyao Airlines has flown to Australia and will operate using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 324 seats, including 29 lie-flat business class seats.

The news of Juneyao Airlines’  new service comes as Melbourne Airport marks a significant milestone in the upgrade of its international baggage handling system, with the arrival of more than $50 million worth of baggage conveyor systems.

The half-a-billion-dollar T2 Next project is replacing traditional baggage belts with a new tote-based system, allowing for real-time bag tracking and paving the way for an eventual introduction of anytime check-in.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Juneyao Airlines underscored the need for ongoing investment in the international terminal and new airfield infrastructure. “We are thrilled to welcome Juneyao Airlines to Melbourne and look forward to working with them to make this service a success.

Qantas repoens revamped lounges at Melbourne Airport

The Australian airline Qantas has completed a major upgrade of its domestic lounges at Melbourne Airport, to provide passengers with more space, more seating and an Asian spice bar.

The new Domestic Business Lounge and Qantas Club have been completely redesigned to use space more effectively, offering seats for nearly 900 customers. More than 130 additional customers can be accommodated, 40% more in the Business Lounge and 10% more in the Qantas Club.

Following a 12-month redevelopment, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce officially opened the new domestic lounges at Melbourne Airport earlier this week, “Melbourne is one of the busiest ports in our network, and with the demand for premium travel on the rise, it’s the right time to be investing in bigger and better lounges,” Mr Joyce said. “Our Frequent Flyers tell us that starting their journey in a comfortable and premium lounge is important to them, which is why they were front of mind when we embarked on this redesign. Given it’s Melbourne, serving quality local food, wine and barista coffee is obviously a priority.”

Key features of the new lounges include: