Alliance Airlines' new $60 million aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility is taking shape in Rockhampton, with concrete pouring to form the footings and walls of the facility's new hangar.
The project is backed by the Palaszczuk Government's $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
On site at Rocky Airport to inspect construction progress, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the facility illustrates the Palaszczuk Government's continued commitment to creating regional jobs.
"Helping our regions grow by attracting investment and generating employment is a key focus of Queensland's Economic Recovery Plan," Mr Dick said.
"This new facility will allow Alliance to reshore their MRO activities from Slovakia and the United Kingdom to right here in Queensland.
"Roughly 100 operational jobs will be supported here by 2024, and there's around 115 construction workers bringing the project to life.
"There will also be at least 16 local traineeships and apprenticeships offered, creating new career paths for young central Queenslanders.
"Alliance Airlines has grown rapidly in recent years, and it's great they're choosing to house that growth in Queensland," he said.
"This project stands to boost our state economy by $195 million over the next decade, and consolidates our reputation as a destination of choice for the multi-billion-dollar global MRO industry."
Aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul in Queensland is valued at $565 million and supports approximately 4200 jobs.
Globally, the aviation MRO industry is forecast to grow to US$86.8 billion by 2024.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said an aviation MRO facility of this scale will bring forward the establishment of an aeronautical services precinct at Rockhampton Airport.
"Investment attracts investment, and this facility will encourage more businesses to choose Rockhampton and our local suppliers," Mr O'Rourke said.
"This is the start of an aviation jobs boom for Rocky, led by these highly skilled MRO and engineering roles that will arrive through this project."
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the project shows the confidence industry has in central Queensland.
"In 2022, Alliance will expand its fleet from 65 to 74, and this facility will make that expansion possible and profitable," Ms Lauga said.
"Our region is ready and eager to play a growing role in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, and to welcome the new jobs that come from it."
Alliance Airlines Managing Director Scott McMillan said Rockhampton was an obvious choice for the facility.
"Rocky has been part of our operations over the past 20 years and offers everything we need, from location and weather to incredible stakeholder support," Mr McMillan said.
"Alliance is a proud Queensland-based and Australasian-owned company, so we're excited to bring skilled jobs back onshore and into central Queensland."
The Alliance Airlines Rockhampton MRO facility will be up and running by January 2023.
Learn more about the Palaszczuk Government's Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and how it's helping Queensland businesses take their operations to the next level.
