Qantas today farewelled the Socceroos as they departed from Melbourne Airport on their way to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said "Melbourne is an events and sporting mad city. It is fantastic that the Qantas Socceroos were able to embark on their World Cup journey from Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia".
"Of course, it was from Melbourne that Qantas also first launched their A380 services, commencing Melbourne - Los Angeles services in 2008, and in January this year on the Melbourne - London route. March saw the doubling of the A380 London services to two per week and an increase on the Los Angeles route from two A380 services to three per week" he said.
"We are delighted with these services on these popular routes. The continued support from Qantas is proof of the collective strength of our State as a key tourism destination and Australian hub. We thank Qantas for their ongoing investment in Melbourne and their confidence in the Victorian market.
"We wish the Qantas Socceroos the best of luck" he said.
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Media enquiries: Melbourne Airport Media - (03) 9335 3666