MEL to start third runway project

[JessicaTam]

In Australia, we have the mentality of "if you build it" eventually in a couple of decades we build might the rest of the infrastructure it needs. Just have a look at estates on the fringes around MEL.

Crucially MEL needs IMO two train links. One a fast link to the CBD and the other a slower link, a bit like FRA. Not to mention have public buses that stop at the majority of terminals at MEL.

IMHO they also could easily have a bus that starts from Footscray train station that goes via Highpoint and continues via Kelior/Avondale Heights and goes the back way to MEL. Knowing the area, that particular north west corridor has poor public transport links. Seriously they have a smart bus from Frankston to MEL via the whole zone 2 (the long way), yet we can't get proper public transport that goes rather directly to MEL that gets us to the main terminals because of special interest groups! :evil: :evil:

The joy of being beholden to Taxis, Skybus and LT parking!

 

[Timba-Jet]

More direct flights from MEL will happen but cannot see QF doing so ith the current Sydney-centric management.

For some reason QF cannot see logic in ex-MEL Int flights, yet numerous of other airlines can. One day when QF catches on, it will be too late.

 

[dajop]

For some reason QF cannot see logic in ex-MEL Int flights, yet numerous of other airlines can. One day when QF catches on, it will be too late.

QF will increasing the number of medium-long haul flights ex-MEL by 33% next April (simply by adding DXB)!! But I also suspect many MEL based flyers are not as beholden to QF, to take the original timed QF 29/30 example, there were and still are so many alternatives to this timing including SQ, MH, CX, EK, TG, QR, EY, and CZ .... who really needs QF ?

 

[oz_mark]

Really? I haven't seen any improvements to traffic, transport, or customs queues lately. Add the fact that at least 4 times this year I've arrived back and we've had to sit waiting for a gate because there were none available, and I'm not filled with confidence.

A few things have improved in the last year or so. Access between the freeway to and from the long term car park Lots of one minute pick up bays in front of the terminal.more coming

Sent from my GT-I9300T using AustFreqFly

 

[Timba-Jet]

QF will increasing the number of medium-long haul flights ex-MEL by 33% next April (simply by adding DXB)!! But I also suspect many MEL based flyers are not as beholden to QF, to take the original timed QF 29/30 example, there were and still are so many alternatives to this timing including SQ, MH, CX, EK, TG, QR, EY, and CZ .... who really needs QF ?

Exactly, for those not tied to the QFF program, there are so many other good alternatives.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Maybe slightly OT - but in Herald Sun this morn in an article related to 3rd runway its stated that Sichuan Airlines will soon be commencing direct flts MEL-CTU (Chengdu China) - didn't know this.

 

[leemin]

The Opposition (at a State level) ruled out a curfew for Tulla in one of their documents today.

 

[anat0l]

Who holds the electorates (State and Federal) - name and party - that are situated in the vicinity of the airport?

If it's anything like NSW, that'll also be a, ahem, "key deciding factor" as to (a) the airport truly expands, and/or (b) a curfew is introduced. And, I suppose we should throw in flight pathing just for measure.

 

[seanpodge]

Anything that helps attract more international flights to MEL is a good thing, in my opinion. I just hope that this finally gets the government to stop chatting and start getting out the shovels and start building a rail link to MEL. Doesn't have to be anything special (indeed, I'd be happier if it was like any other line so we don't end up with rip off fares like for SYD) but they need to just get on with it. Given the prominent role that public transport played in the last election, a MEL rail link would be very popular with voters. Might also help Ted shake off the do-nothing image he seems to be cultivating. Hopefully they figure out that it might be better to build the line in anticipation of rising demand rather than waiting for the brown stuff to hit the fan before doing something.

Maybe slightly OT - but in Herald Sun this morn in an article related to 3rd runway its stated that Sichuan Airlines will soon be commencing direct flts MEL-CTU (Chengdu China) - didn't know this.

The quite good Aus BT site had the story two months ago. Sichuan Airlines plans direct Melbourne-Chengdu flights - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Interestingly, for those looking to get to Europe, negotiations appear to be under way for direct Chengdu-London flights starting next September. Direct Chengdu-London Flight Expected To Open September 2013 - Chengdu News

Who holds the electorates (State and Federal) - name and party - that are situated in the vicinity of the airport?

If it's anything like NSW, that'll also be a, ahem, "key deciding factor" as to (a) the airport truly expands, and/or (b) a curfew is introduced. And, I suppose we should throw in flight pathing just for measure.

Like pretty much everywhere on the north-west side of the Yarra, they are safe ALP seats. Probably too safe for their own good, really. Liberals don't bother trying to win them and the ALP takes them for granted. In any case, airport politics don't really have the same cache in Melbourne as in Sydney. The airport is also on the northwest edge of the urban area with no major areas of housing nearby (mostly factories, warehouses and empty fields, it seems), so I think any anti airport campaign will struggle to get off the ground, so to speak.

 

[soorox]

The 3rd runway couldn't come any sooner, MEL could be welcoming 4 new carriers this year.

Who holds the electorates (State and Federal) - name and party - that are situated in the vicinity of the airport?.

The Electorate where MEL is located is a VERY safe Labour seat (both federal & state) and has been for many years, actually as long as I can remember. The demographics are pretty much of a "working families" attitude.

Seriously the more they push it, the more money it will cost them, even though the rail link is not being built, millions of dollars has already been spent with these so called "studies" which expire pretty much after any election promise. Theres a lot of articles about the rail link floating around, theres one on UrbanMelbourne.info a pretty interesting read.

 

[ReLoad]

Maybe slightly OT - but in Herald Sun this morn in an article related to 3rd runway its stated that Sichuan Airlines will soon be commencing direct flts MEL-CTU (Chengdu China) - didn't know this.

Yes they have ads all thru intl arrivals, spruiking their new service.

For those that can remember the SBS TV show Iron Chef, I wonder if their Neil perry equivalent is Chen Kinichi - the Sichuan Sage!