POPULAR WORDS

Melbourne Airport has exceeded its northern counterpart in exports, after it increased its volumes by more than 2 million last year.


Figures show 10 million kilograms of international goods left the Melbourne Airport in December 2008, an increase of 2 million kilograms than the same time in 2007.


It is the first time the airport has outdone Sydney, and the reason for the jump is being attributed to more international flights and lower freight costs.


Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Chris Woodruff says exports are now being flown directly out of the Victorian capital, replacing the original method of sending it via road to Sydney.


“Previously Victorian freight has travelled up the Hume Highway to Sydney because it had more airfreight capacity,” Woodruff says.


“More frequent flights and larger aircraft have given Victorian exporters more export capability, lower unit costs and more regular access to export markets,” Woodruff says.


He says freight has had to travel to other international airports in the past because demand has exceeded air services supply in Melbourne.


New services are due to open this year to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Asian countries, a sign Melbourne may consolidate its record-high freight levels.


Amongst the major exports were pharmaceuticals, chilled dairy products, chilled and frozen seafood and fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.


Pakula says a government initiative is also helping business growth.


“We are encouraging business growth further with the biggest tax cut in a decade, worth $1.45 billion,” Pakula says.