Essendon Airport was today re-named Essendon Fields Airport after the suburban development that now surrounds it.
It is the fifth name for the airport in Melbourne's northern suburbs that began its life in 1919 as St Johns Airfield. According to Essendon Fields, the new name better reflects that "aviation is at the heart of Essendon Fields".
“The name Essendon Airport is associated with the airport’s former use as Melbourne’s major airport until 1970 and its current role as an airport is not well understood, said Chris Cowan, CEO Essendon Fields. "The airport’s name should continue to evolve with its role and not be frozen in time.
“The airport site has changed since 2001 when it was sold to the Fox and Beck families. We now have 6000 jobs on site from only 500 in 2001. Aviation trends have seen a major increase in demand for emergency services, bigger quieter corporate jets and recently airlines services to regional areas. We see those three sectors as the future of Essendon Fields Airport."
Four regional airlines servicing eight destinations now use Essendon, including Sharp Aviation services to Warrnambool, Portland, King Island and Flinders Island, JETGO to Dubbo and Wollongong, Free Spirit to Merimbula and Fly Corporate to Orange. The airport also houses one-third of Australia's corporate jet fleet.
“The new airlines came here based on word-of-mouth, which is the best way to grow," Cowan said. "Their regional passengers seem to like the relaxed experience and the proximity to town."
The airport is located in the new suburb of Essendon Fields, which was gazetted in 2008. It is owned by the Fox and Beck families, which have invested heavily in the surrounds, including car yards, a Direct Factory Outlet and a business centre.
Essendon's Name Timeline
- 1919 St Johns Airfield
- 1923 Essendon Aerodrome
- 1950 Melbourne Airport
- 1970 Essendon Airport
- 2017 Essendon Fields Airport