Alliance Airlines eyes Rockhampton as new home
Published on 14 April 2021
Rockhampton Airport has today welcomed one of Alliance Airlines new commercial aircraft with a special water cannon salute to mark its arrival.
The Embraer E190 is one of 30 newly acquired aircraft Alliance is adding to its regional fleet with an exciting proposal on the cards to build a hangar and maintenance facility at Rockhampton Airport to help service the airlines entire fleet of over 70 aircraft.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams said today’s flight was hopefully the first of many more to come.
“It was fantastic to see one of these new aircraft touch down today and for the Airport to give that traditional salute to show our respect for Alliance and mark our long-standing relationship,” Mayor Williams said.
“It is a relationship we hope can grow further as we work together to bring a Maintenance and Repair Facility to Rockhampton which has the potential to create 225 jobs and inject $30 million into the local economy every year.
“There are currently discussions with the State and Federal Governments around potential funding for the project and we look forward to continue working constructively with all parties to make this project a reality,” Mayor Williams said.
Managing Director Scott McMillan said bringing the maintenance facility to Rockhampton would be like coming home.
“The first ever flight by Alliance Airlines was to Rockhampton in 2002 and since then we have built a special relationship with Rockhampton and the wider Central Queensland region,” Mr McMillan said.
“Bringing base maintenance back from overseas to Alliance’s home state of Queensland would benefit the local economy and provide Alliance with security around its long-term aircraft maintenance plans for the fleet of over 70 aircraft.”
“The pandemic has impacted the airline industry across the board but we are determined to continue to look for opportunities for the future and increasing our capabilities to service our fleet here in Australia is critical to that succeeding,” Mr McMillan said.
Airport Councillor Neil Fisher said the proposed facility would be a real coup for the entire Central Queensland region.
“It has always been our vision from the establishment of the business plan to see the Rockhampton airport expand, and to see new business like Alliance Airlines come to Rockhampton to develop new industries for our community,” Cr Fisher said.
“Rockhampton Airport is currently undergoing a redevelopment to make it one of the best looking regional airports in Australia and having this facility would be a huge win.
“More construction jobs as well as high-value, highly skilled aviation engineering jobs located here is good for the industry, good for the company and good for our community.
“We are working collaboratively with all stakeholders to make this happen because the sky really is the limit when it comes to the benefits for both our region and the company,” Cr Fisher said.
The project is currently going through the Development Application process.