Kinetic and Melbourne Airport break ground on Australia's first electric double-decker bus depot

Kinetic and Melbourne Airport have officially broken ground on a new purpose-built electric bus depot for the city’s iconic SkyBus service, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of airport transport across Australia.

The facility at 18-24 Apac Drive will be Australia's first electric double-decker bus depot, designed to support Kinetic’s commitment to operating a 100% electric SkyBus fleet in Melbourne by 2031.

Kinetic, which operates SkyBus, is investing AU$80 million into fleet electrification in Melbourne as part of its contract with the Victorian Government through to the end of 2034.

Melbourne Airport will deliver the depot construction and site works. The depot will have a 93-bus capacity and house 200 staff when it becomes operational in early 2027.

The SkyBus depot will join Kinetic's recently opened Preston depot in featuring a gantry and cable-reel charging system, with the facility featuring two 80-metre gantry charging systems, enabling high-volume overnight charging.

Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards said the new depot represents a major investment in sustainable airport transport for Melbourne.

"This is a significant step forward in delivering quieter, cleaner airport connections for Melbourne," he said.

"SkyBus has been serving Melbourne for nearly 50 years, and this investment ensures we continue to deliver world-class service while leading the transition to zero-emission transport. 

“The depot will be home to Australia's first electric double-decker buses and will underpin our commitment to a fully electric Melbourne fleet by 2031."

SkyBus General Manager (Melbourne) Audrey Speziale said the new depot will deliver tangible benefits for passengers and the community.

"This purpose-built facility will support the electrification of our entire Melbourne fleet, delivering quieter, zero-emission services along one of Melbourne's busiest airport corridors," she said.

"We're proud to be leading innovation in sustainable airport transport and making a real difference in reducing emissions across our operations. 

“This depot is a major investment in the future of airport connectivity for Melbourne."

Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail Jai McDermott said the electrification of SkyBus services marks the next chapter in a long-standing partnership.

“SkyBus has been part of Melbourne Airport’s landside transport story for more than four decades and we’re proud to partner with them to deliver a lower-emissions future,” he said. 

“We’re investing in critical infrastructure, including significant upgrades to the airport’s high voltage network, as we work with partners to effectively manage emissions even as traveller numbers grow.

“Supporting the electrification of SkyBus’ high frequency services is also about improving the airport experience, with new electric buses delivering smoother, more comfortable journeys for passengers and our workforce.”

The electrification of SkyBus’ services is already underway, with the Sunshine Express launching in November 2025 as SkyBus' first 100% electric airport transfer service. 

The Eastern Express will transition to 100% electric in 2027, with Australia's first electric double-decker buses scheduled to enter service in mid-2027 on the Melbourne City Express.

The depot construction is being delivered by Vaughan Constructions, with project management by Legacy Project Management.

SkyBus operates express services to Melbourne CBD from Melbourne Airport, along with the Peninsula Express, Eastern Express and Sunshine Express.