Rockhampton Airport could soon be home to Alliance Airline's new maintenance and repair facility after the airlines announced it would soon be returning to Queensland from overseas.
The new maintenance and repair facility in Rockhampton could potential create 225 jobs and inject $30 million into the local economy every year
The announcement comes after Rockhampton officially welcomed one of Alliance Airlines new commercial aircraft with a special water cannon salute to mark its arrival on Wednesday.
The Embraer E190 is one of 30 newly acquired aircraft Alliance is adding to its regional fleet.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams welcomed Alliance Airlines proposal and said the new 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," Mr Williams said.
"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."
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."
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," Mr 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."
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said she is lobbying hard to help Alliance Airlines bring a Maintenance and Repair facility to Rockhampton.
"I am working with the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack to help this new project come to fruition," Ms Landry said.
"This facility will bring jobs as well as millions of ongoing dollars to the Rockhampton economy."
The project is currently going through the Development Application process.
