just for me and rusty tom
 

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ai...421-2i8h6.html


Avalon is poised to become Melbourne's second international airport after the Australian and Philippines governments cleared the way for direct flights in and out of there.
The breakthrough agreement is also said to have catapulted Melbourne well ahead of Sydney as the two cities vie to be the first with two international airports.
Australia and the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday that a Philippines airline could fly directly between Manila and Avalon airports once a day.
The agreement means Avalon is now free to strike its own deal with a Philippines airline. It is understood Philippines airline Cebu has already written to the Commonwealth signalling its desire to fly in and out of Avalon, which is 56 kilometres south-west of Melbourne.
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Justin Giddings, Avalon airport's chief executive, said the next step in achieving international status was locking in an agreement with a Philippines airline, then establish customs and quarantine facilities. He said this would pave the way to attract airlines from other countries.
''We are also seeking air rights to Hong Kong, Malaysia and India,'' Mr Giddings said. ''This is one step closer [and] we think the Philippines would be a marvellous place to fly out of Avalon.''


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