Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility
Learn about Alliance Aviation's transformative project with NAIF funding, enhancing Rockhampton's aviation landscape.
August 2021
Transport & Logistics
Rockhampton, QLD
NAIF’s loan will help develop the Alliance Airlines Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility at Rockhampton Airport in Queensland.
Proponent Background
Alliance Airlines, an ASX-listed transport company, is a leading provider of wholesale aviation services in Australasia.
The company offers predominantly contract, charter and allied aviation and maintenance services to the mining, energy, tourism, and government sectors.
The largest contract aviator in Australia, Alliance Airlines has continued to grow since its inception in 2002. It plays an important role in northern Australia, servicing critical sectors and providing local employment.
Project Overview
The construction of a dedicated aircraft and maintenance facility has enabled Alliance Airlines to relocate the heavy base maintenance of its aircraft fleet, which since 2015 has been serviced predominantly overseas. The benefits of the project to Alliance Airlines include cost control and operational certainty around long-term aircraft maintenance plans for its expanding fleet.
How We Helped
NAIF’s loan has helped develop the Alliance Airlines Aircraft and Maintenance Facility at Rockhampton Airport in Queensland. This has secured local employment and has allowed the business to relocate the heavy base maintenance of its fleet onshore, this service had predominantly been conducted overseas.
Public Benefit
The project is forecast to deliver a broad range of significant benefits to Rockhampton and Central Queensland. The present value of the economic impact to gross regional product (GRP) in the Rockhampton region during the construction and operations phases is estimated to be $342 million over 30 years.
The facility is also expected to help diversify Central Queensland’s employment base and bring engineering and skilled aviation jobs to the region. The project is forecast to create at least 100 jobs during construction, and 98 jobs when fully operational.
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Darumbal people
Rockhampton, lies at the heart of Darumbal Country. Darumbal Country encompasses Tunuba (Fitzroy River) and stretches from the Styx River in the north to Raglan Creek in the south, and from the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef in the east to Westwood and the base of the Mt Morgan Range in the west. Darumbal Country is home to clan groups, including Kuinmabra, Nindybul, Tarumbul, and Warabal, each holding deep cultural and spiritual connections to specific areas within the region. Darumbal Enterprises plays a vital role in empowering the community through cultural heritage management, community programs, and caring for land and sea country.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
- Facilitate engagement between the contractor and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for First Nations businesses to provide construction services for the Hangar and Technical Annex.
- A target of 7% Indigenous employment through apprenticeships and operational positions, as well as a 7% Indigenous procurement target during the project's construction phase.
- Collaboration with CQUniversity and TAFE QLD to develop an apprenticeship program specifically designed to train Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Rockhampton. They are actively engaging with First Nations businesses and promoting First Nations employment opportunities through a partnership with the Central Queensland Indigenous Business Consortium.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
- In 2022 and 2023, Alliance Airlines achieved 14.9% Indigenous employment during the construction phase and engaged with key Indigenous stakeholders, including the Central Queensland Indigenous Business Alliance and Darumbal Enterprises. A Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (LAME) apprenticeship program was launched with 30 student participants, including 3 Indigenous students from local high schools.
- Indigenous procurement during the construction phase reached over $880,000. Significant contracts were awarded to local First Nations suppliers, with Walawaani Workforce and Tunuba Pty Ltd playing key roles in the hangar construction.
- In 2023 and 2024, Alliance maintained 5.5% Indigenous employment at the Rockhampton Maintenance Facility and 4.3% First Nations enrolment in the Aviation Australia vocational educational in school program.
