Tara Murray
Jobs galore are available at Melbourne Airport as the aviation industry opens up and travel allowed once again.
With limited flights over the past two years, many businesses with in the airport precinct had to put off staff due to the uncertainty surrounding when travel would be back on the agenda.
But state borders reopening and international travel on the cards, the rush is on to get new staff for all areas of the airport.
Airport Retail Enterprises general manager David Yallouz said they are seeking more than 200 staff thanks to hospitality venues reopening in the next six months.
Fifteen food and beverage outlets will reopen in a staggered approach and are looking to recruit baristas, waiters, chefs and restaurant managers.
The company’s brands include ST. ALi, MoVida, Middle Ground by Shane Delia, Urban Provodore, and Brasserie Bread.
“Without doubt, the devastation that COVID-19 has had on our entire operation within Melbourne Airport’s retail food and beverage business has been unparalleled,” Mr Yallouz said.
“Tourism, particularly air travel, was one of the first sectors hit and we expect it to be one of the last industries to emerge.
“Unfortunately when you have such significant drops in revenues, drastic measures needed to be put in place in order for our business to survive such a turbulent period.
“Out of our 15 outlets only four remained open (and only opened around flight times). We had close to 300 staff pre-COVID, we dropped to just 50.”
Generally, 90 per cent of Airport Retail Enterprises staff live within 20 minutes of the airport, according to Mr Yallouz.
He said the airport was hopeful domestic passenger numbers would recover to pre-pandemic levels early next year.
“There is welcome change coming, the turning point is finally here for us. The staff are looking forward to welcoming back customers and passengers into our outlets to wine and dine in some of Melbourne’s most renowned cafes, restaurants and bars,” he said.
More broadly, 30 hospitality venues will open across the airport next week.
