Essendon Fields Airport is expected to reach a record for aircraft movements this weekend, thanks to the newfound popularity of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2024.

Interstate and overseas visitors are choosing chartered and corporate aircraft to travel to Melbourne for the weekend of GP action, with some operators like Air Link reporting a 200 per cent increase above normal aircraft traffic for this weekend.

Matthew Kline, Director of Air Link, said it will be the busiest week ever for Air Link since moving to Essendon Fields Airport.

“We’ve had very strong demand for aircraft charter to Essendon Fields in the build up to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Clients see the value in flying on their own schedules so they can maximise their time enjoying the races and come and go from Melbourne so easily.”

(Photo above: Craig Moodie Photography)

Essendon Fields based Air Link are anticipating handling around 12 aircraft and 60 passengers through their FBO over the Grand Prix long weekend, with clients travelling on a wide range of aircraft from small turboprops to larger jets. Air Link reports this March as being a busy period for private travel in general, with the excitement around the F1 bringing a new range of clients into Melbourne.

Essendon Fields based Platinum Business Aviation Centre are anticipating handling around 12 aircraft and 60 passengers through their FBO over the Grand Prix long weekend, with clients travelling on a wide range of aircraft from small turboprops to larger jets. Platinum reports this March as being a busy period for private travel in general, with the excitement around the F1 bringing a new range of clients into Melbourne.

Other Essendon Fields based operators, including those who service corporate jets, are reporting significant extra arrivals this week and bumper movements.

The iconic RAAF Roulettes will also use Essendon Fields Airport as their base to refuel following their scheduled flyovers on Sunday 24 March at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix, landing at approximately 3pm AEDST. Refuelling partner Air bp will assist with getting them back in the air, ahead of their Monday 25 March departure.

(Photo above: Aviation Spotters Online)

Essendon Fields GM Aviation Matt Marais said the weekend is a real boost for aviation activity at Essendon Fields with the general aircraft apron parking expected to be at near capacity this weekend, with aircraft, large and small, flying in from all around Victoria and Australia.

“This looks like being our biggest weekend of the year and all our operators, including charter and corporate jet operators, are utilising the benefits of operating from Essendon Fields, especially given the ease of access in and out of the airport as well as having the closest proximity to the CBD and Albert Park track. There is a fantastic buzz around the whole airport precinct this week,’’ he said.