Alliance Airlines Takes Off

Australia's newest carrier, Alliance Airlines, officially took to the skies today, when the first of its aircraft to wear a new blue and gold colour scheme was unveiled at Brisbane Airport.

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The new-look Fokker 100 jet was displayed at Brisbane's common user domestic terminal before making its inaugural flight - a promotional visit to Rockhampton, which the airline will serve daily from Monday, 26 August.

To mark the occasion today, the 91-seat aircraft was formally named City of Rockhampton by the Mayor, Councillor Margaret Strelow, who travelled to the City on the inaugural flight.

The aircraft features an all-white fuselage with the word Alliance emblazoned on the upper forward cabin, and a navy blue tail with gold arrow symbol. 

The name City of Rockhampton is borne under the cockpit windows on both sides of the aircraft, accompanied by the official crest of the City, while a brass plaque is mounted on the forward cabin wall, commemorating the naming ceremony.

"Our new corporate identity simply represents a flight into blue skies," said Alliance Managing Director, Mr Scott McMillan.

"We have combined the best of the former Flight West Airlines with a range of new ideas, and we have exciting growth plans for Alliance," said Mr McMillan. 

"A media advertising campaign featuring the new name and logo will commence today in Rockhampton, Townsville and Gladstone, formally launching Alliance services."

The City of Rockhampton and other Fokker 100 aircraft will fly not only on the new Brisbane - Rockhampton route, but also on the Brisbane - Townsville sector, and from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island, commencing on 7 September.

As well, they will fly contract services from Townsville to resources sites operated in Western Queensland by Pasminco and WMC Limited, and will be available for charter flights.

"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.

"Since announcing our new name and our new services to Rockhampton, and from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island, we have received strong encouragement and support from the travelling public and the travel industry," said Mr McMillan.

"We are very confident about the future, and it is our intention to progressively expand our network and our fleet of Fokker 100 aircraft."

Alliance will progressively repaint three other aircraft in its fleet - a second Fokker 100 and two 30-seat Embraer Brasilia aircraft - and is currently sourcing additional Fokker 100 jets overseas.

Alliance Airlines is owned by Queensland Airline Holdings, a consortium of experienced aviation identities including Mr Stephen Bond - well known in the Australian aviation community for his purchase of Lloyd Helicopters and his current interests in major helicopter operator Bond Air Services and UK regional airline Logan Air; Mr Hugh Jones, CEO of New Zealand based aviation company Airwork; and Mr Steve Padgett, Chairman of the Australian-owned Aeromil Group of Companies, involved in a wide range of aviation activities.