Alliance Airlines will build a new $60 million aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Rockhampton Airport with support from the Palaszczuk Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
Queensland’s Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the facility would allow the Brisbane-headquartered company to maintain its growing fleet of aircraft locally instead of having to continue to carry out its major maintenance activities overseas.
“In recent years, Alliance Airlines has grown rapidly and expanded from resources-based operations to conventional passenger and freight services. In the next 12 months, Alliance’s fleet of aircraft will expand from 43 to 75,” the Minister noted.
“To support that larger fleet, the Rockhampton MRO facility will see the creation of 98 new long-term, operational jobs by 2024.
“There will also be a significant number of construction jobs to manage the capital works and other indirect employment opportunities created.”
“This commitment from Alliance shows that Queensland has the capabilities to enhance their operations and further consolidates our growing reputation in the multi-billion-dollar global MRO industry.”
He said the overhaul work at the new MRO facility would provide a lot of opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.
“This will create a raft of new opportunities for avionics, aerospace technologies, wheels, tyres, brakes and landing gear, engine maintenance, interiors and upholstery and cabin accessories suppliers,” Mr Dick continued.
“Economic modelling shows that the Alliance facility is expected to directly boost the Queensland economy by almost $195 million over the next 10 years.”
Alliance Airlines Chairman Steve Padgett OAM said the company’s $250 million fleet expansion over the past year was further motivation to relocate its major maintenance activities to Queensland.
“This move will give us better control and coordination of our fleet, minimise costs and exposure to border closures and currency fluctuations, and will increase efficiencies across the entire Alliance group,” Mr Padgett explained.
“Once the facility is fully operational, we expect to achieve approximately $20 million per annum in full export replacement.
“We’re pleased to be working with the Queensland Government with its funding support going directly to establishing the facility. This is in addition to the recently announced $25 million from the Australian Government for upgrades to the Rockhampton Airport to service the facility.”
