Avalon Cargo Melbourne has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global aviation services provider dnata to explore the possibility of cooperating to grow international air freight operations at Avalon Airport.
The agreement establishes a framework for both companies to evaluate how Avalon Airport’s dedicated cargo infrastructure and dnata’s international freight handling expertise could support future cargo growth, depending on customer demand, operational requirements and the completion of separate commercial agreements.
The partnership follows the opening of Avalon Cargo’s purpose-built international cargo facility and highlights both companies’ ambition to improve supply chain efficiency while strengthening Australia’s connections to global trade markets.
Through the collaboration, Avalon Cargo and dnata will examine opportunities to increase international freight volumes, attract additional cargo services and enhance cargo handling capabilities at the airport.
The initiative supports Avalon Airport’s objective of becoming a major international air cargo gateway for Victoria, offering exporters and importers improved access to global markets.
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss described the agreement as an important step in the airport’s long-term cargo development strategy.
“This MoU with dnata is an important step in reinforcing Avalon as a major international cargo gateway for Victoria,” Suss said.
“As global supply chains continue to evolve, collaborations like this enable us to connect local exporters with world-class freight expertise and create new opportunities for trade between Australia, the UAE and beyond.”
He added that combining Avalon’s infrastructure with dnata’s operational experience could help support future freight expansion and create new opportunities for Australian businesses.
Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Services Australia, said the company welcomed the partnership as Avalon Cargo continues to develop its international cargo operations.
“By bringing together Avalon’s modern infrastructure and dnata’s global freight handling expertise, we have an opportunity to assess how we can support efficient, reliable handling outcomes for customers in the future,” Sigsworth said.
The partnership reflects Avalon Cargo’s broader strategy of positioning the airport as a key freight hub while expanding trade opportunities for Australian producers and manufacturers.
Located between Melbourne and Geelong, Avalon Cargo Melbourne is Victoria’s dedicated air freight hub, designed to provide businesses with streamlined cargo operations and direct access to international markets.
With purpose-built facilities, modern infrastructure and partnerships with global logistics providers, Avalon aims to support future growth in Australian exports while strengthening the country’s role in international supply chains.
