![Hainan Airlines may be operating international services into Avalon Airport within 18 months. (James Morgan)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Hainan-Airlines-A330-200-lands-at-Sydney-Airport-300x182.jpg)
An MoU has been signed between the owners of Avalon Airport, Linfox Group, and HNA Group Hainan Airlines to commence international services into Avalon.
The MoU, signed on the sidelines of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s trade mission to China, commits Linfox Group to assist HNA Group to start an aviation service between Australia and China within 18 months using Avalon Airport as a base.
“This announcement outlines an important commitment by Linfox to assist HNA Group in their consideration of using Avalon Airport as a base for the introduction of passenger flights directly from Victoria to China,” Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine said. “An international terminal at Avalon would mean more jobs for Victorians and greater access to international flights for people in Geelong and the surrounding regional areas.”