YMEN Essendon Airport

Established in 1921, Essendon Airport is Australia's second oldest international airport after Sydney and marks its centenary this year. Now known as Essendon Fields Airport, it plays a very important role in the aviation sector for Victoria and hosts a large mix of non-aviation related businesses. It is also the home to the Australian headquarters for Orbx, which was featured in our Microsoft Partnership video.

Originally called St Johns Airfield and then Essendon Aerodrome, the airport played an important role in Australia’s growing civil aviation industry as well as defence operations during WWII.

As passenger services grew, Essendon operated as Melbourne’s international airport from 1950 until 1970 when the present-day Melbourne International Airport opened in the neighbouring suburb of Tullamarine.

Essendon Airport now operates as a general aviation facility and hosts regular passenger transport to regional locations, private charters and tourist flights, emergency services, training and private aircraft. Since 2001, extensive property development has occurred to revitalise the airport and create a vibrant commercial hub.