New deal secures future of Vic airport The Victorian government will continue its push to attract international flights to Avalon after signing a new deal to secure the airport's short-term future. Jetstar will continue its 35 weekly services to Avalon Airport until at least April 2015 under the deal struck between the airline, the state government and airport owner Linfox. Dr Napthine said the government worked quickly and decisively to secure the airport's future when told by Jetstar it was facing challenges. He said the deal keeps about 250 people in a job. "This decision provides a very real platform for further action between the government, Linfox, Jetstar and potential other service providers to grow services and opportunities at Avalon," he told reporters. The Victorian government is absolutely committed to the future of Avalon as a major airport for Victoria. Dr Napthine said having domestic flights operating from the airport would be an anchor from which to attract international flights. "With growing new airlines in China, throughout southeast Asia ... (there are) opportunities for those airlines to come to Avalon and come to Victoria," Dr Napthine said. There were concerns last week that Jetstar was considering pulling the pin on Avalon. At the time, an airline spokesman said services to and from the airport had been underperforming and it had been heavily discounting fares to fill seats. Jetstar Group chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka on Wednesday confirmed the airline had reached an agreement with the government and Avalon Airport to maintain Avalon services. She said Victoria is the home of Jetstar and the company had used Avalon since it began. "We are committed to working with key stakeholders throughout 2014 to find ways to improve the performance of our services and support tourism to the region," Ms Hrdlicka said. The extension of services until April 2015 provides an opportunity for the community and its leaders to get behind Jetstar's operations at Avalon Airport.