AVALON Airport has announced the appointment of Jacques Dumont as its new Cargo Terminal Manager, as the airport prepares to open its new state-of-the-art freight processing facility.

Mr Dumont brings over a decade of experience in aviation and international supply chain management, with a track record of managing operations and handling over 130,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

The airport said his leadership will be key as Avalon aspires to strengthen its position as a major hub for domestic and international freight.

Situation in Greater Geelong, Victoria, Avalon Airport plays a significant role in specialist freight operations, reportedly handling over 10,000 tonnes of cargo from 52 aircraft in the financial year ending June 2023.

Once operational in 2025, the new 24/7 freight facility will increase capacity to process over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, intending to significantly speed up package handling and distribution.

Victoria’s Acting Minister for Ports and Freight, Gabrielle Williams stated, “This new freight processing facility will significantly speed up package handling and distribution, allowing faster deliveries while cutting down on the number of trucks on our roads”.

The facility will reportedly feature advanced scanning technology, making Avalon one of the first airports in Australia to comply with new Australian Border Force security screening standards.

This innovation is intended to also reduce the number of trucks transporting freight between Avalon and Melbourne Airport by half, with more packages being dispatched directly from Avalon.

As part of the Greater Avalon Employment Precinct, the facility will create six new direct jobs and hundreds of flow-on opportunities in cargo handling, warehousing, and distribution.

The precinct already hosts major distribution centres for businesses such as Australia Post, Cotton On, and Petstock.

Mr Dumont expressed his excitement about joining Avalon Airport, “I’m thrilled to be part of Avalon Airport’s journey as it continues to expand and innovate in freight operations”.

“This new facility will be a game-changer, and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

The new investment at Avalon Airport is expected to further bolster its economic impact and enhance the efficiency of freight operations across the state.

Avalon said its reputation as a strategic hub is built on its ability to accommodate up to 100 tonnes per movement and its efficient, customer-focused freight ground handling and flight operations crews.