Melbourne overtakes Sydney

MELBOURNE Airport has overtaken Sydney in volumes of airfreight exported. Figures show the airport moved two million more kg exports, up to 10 million, in December 2008 from 2007.

Chief executive Chris Woodruff said the increase was due to increased international flights and lower airfreight costs. In addition, more exports that were originally up to Sydney by road are now being flown directly from Melbourne.

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

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

To meet demand, new services are due to start to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and more Asian countries throughout 2009.

Primary exports from the state of Victoria include pharmaceuticals, dairy products, seafood, fruit, vegetables and flowers.