Second regional airline has big plans for Territory

Another Regional Airline has announced big plans for the Northern Territory.

Alliance Airlines' (L-R) Managing Director Scott McMillan and CEO Lee Schofield. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

ANOTHER regional airline has announced big plans for the Northern Territory.

Alliance Airlines, which opened its Darwin base in February last year, is expanding its NT fleet from one aircraft to four.

The three additional Fokker jet aircraft (two F70s and one F100) will join the existing 100 seat Fokker 100 aircraft to round out the Darwin based jet fleet. Staff numbers will increase from seven to 34, with additional pilots, engineers and cabin crew needed.

The additional aircraft will come into service between July and December this year. Advertisements for additional Darwin based staff have been placed in national newspapers and online employment sites.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner welcomed Alliance’s plans.

“More flight options means greater choice for Territorians and greater competition, which we welcome,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Alliance about their plans to further expand their operations in the Territory”.

Gold miner Newmont Mining recently extended its air charter contract with Alliance for flights from Darwin to Newmont’s Granites gold mine in the Tanami in Central Australia, by three years.

Alliance Airlines managing director Scott McMillan said the expansion continued the growth Alliance has undertaken since 2002.

Alliance’s operations are now based in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Townsville and Rockhampton.

“Alliance is the largest contract aviation operator in Australia,” Mr McMillan said. “The requests for additional contractual business has grown to the point where we are confident that the Darwin operation can be significantly and viably expanded.”

In addition to contract services ex Darwin, Alliance has been providing services to Uluru for inbound tour operators, Tauck (for the past seven years) and JTB (for the past twelve months).

Alliance flies twice a week between Brisbane and Alice Springs on behalf of Virgin Australia.