Alliance Airlines officially names aircraft 'City of Townsville'

The Mayor of Townsville, Councillor Tony Mooney, today officially named an Alliance Airlines jet City of Townsville, as part of a ceremony to detail the new carrier's commitment to the city.

The airline's Managing Director, Mr Scott McMillan, formally announced the appointment of Mr Robin Richardson as the airline's Manager, North Queensland, based in Townsville.

Mr McMillan also announced that six of 12 new flight attendants who graduated from their training last week were Townsville region residents, and would be based in the city as part of a growing workforce to service Alliance's growing requirements.

And he revealed that Alliance's expertise in operating contract flights from Townsville to WMC Limited and Pasminco resources sites in Western Queensland was now attracting the interest of other resources companies, interested in the same style of dedicated air services.

"Townsville was the first jet destination in the new Alliance network, and will play a major role in our future," said Mr McMillan. 

"We now operate six weekly return flights between Townsville and Brisbane, and nine weekly return flights between Townsville and the WMC and Pasminco sites in Western Queensland, and it is our intention to continue growing."

Mr McMillan said Alliance now employed 28 staff in Townsville, in roles including administration, traffic, engineering, ramp services and cabin crew, and based one of its initial two Fokker 100 twinjets at Townsville Airport. 

In addition to direct employment, the airline provides further work for contractors including cleaners and baggage handlers, and earlier this year awarded its in-flight catering contract to Townsville company Skysnacks.

The Mayor welcomed the arrival of Alliance, and the jobs which the carrier was creating for the Townsville community.

"Townsville is a business centre and a tourism gateway, and reliable air services are critical to our success in both segments," said Councillor Mooney. 

"Alliance has committed significant resources to our region, and in doing so has created local jobs as well as a choice of airline.

"I am delighted today to be able to recognise that achievement through the naming of an aircraft as City of Townsville."

The City of Townsville and other Fokker 100 aircraft will fly not only on the Townsville - Brisbane route, but also on the Brisbane - Rockhampton sector, and from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island - and more potential destinations are under study.

As well, the aircraft will fly contract services from Townsville to resources sites operated in Western Queensland by Pasminco and WMC Limited, and will be used for a range of charter flights.

Alliance Airlines is owned by Queensland Airline Holdings, a new company which earlier this year acquired some of the assets of the former Flight West Airlines.

"Our new name reflects our philosophy of working closely with the travel industry, all levels of Government, tourism offices, airport operators, international airlines, the communities we serve and of course our customers," said Mr McMillan.

"We have received strong encouragement and support from the travelling public and the travel industry," he said. "We are very confident about the future, and it is our intention to progressively expand our network and our fleet of Fokker 100 aircraft."