State support for Rocky aviation workshop

Plans for a $60 million aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Rockhampton airport have won Queensland Government backing. The support will come under the Palaszczuk Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, although details were said to be commercial in confidence. It comes after the Federal Government in May committed $25 million to help Alliance Airlines bring the facility to Rockhampton. Headquartered in Brisbane, Alliance provides dedicated contract, charter and aviation services to support mining, energy, tourism and government sectors with its fleet of Fokker and Embraer aircraft. Treasurer Cameron Dick. Treasurer Cameron Dick said a Rockhampton MRO facility would 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," he said. “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. “Base maintenance means a lot of overhaul work, and that means 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. “Economic modelling shows that the Alliance facility is expected to directly boost the Queensland economy by almost $195 million over the next 10 years.” Related: Rockhampton shoots for Alliance aircraft business Alliance Airlines chairman Steve Padgett said the company’s $250 million investment into its fleet expansion over the past 12 months was further motivation to relocate its major maintenance activities to Queensland from overseas. “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," he said. “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.” The Queensland Government identified MRO services as a key growth opportunity for Queensland as outlined in the Queensland Aerospace 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan and will continue to maximise opportunities to support the industry.

State support for Rocky aviation workshop

Industry Queensland

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