The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) is today delighted to announce a three-year extension, until the end of 2028, with trusted commercial partner Alliance Airlines.
The partnership with the Queensland-based air-charter specialist has grown on multiple fronts since the positive relationship started in early 2021.
The relationship has grown to mean more than using Alliance’s aviation services because of the company’s connection with rugby from the Queensland Reds to the grassroots.
Alliance Airlines is the largest national air charter operator for the resources industry in Australia and is recognised as a leading aviation professional, providing customised group travel and individual experiences through the provision of charter services.
QRU Chief Executive David Hanham said extending to what will be an eight-year association shows the compatibility of the two partners.
“It is a significant outcome for the QRU and the Reds to continue this relationship with such a strong Queensland company. Alliance Airlines is not just an airline partner, they support the game,” Hanham said.
“As a specialist charter provider, we have seen Alliance service the needs of the Reds, as an elite sporting team, as well as the requirements of the wider rugby family in Queensland.
“That has included transporting the Reds and staff to the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma and Narrabri in recent years.
“Member, sponsor and donor tours to Samoa, Christchurch and Townsville have been wonderful prestige experiences that have supported our engagement across regional Queensland and beyond.
“Under (Managing Director) Scott McMillan and (Chief Executive) Stewart Tully, we have felt the quality of Alliance Airlines as an organisation through its leadership.”
Alliance Airlines carried the Reds’ men’s and women’s teams on the same charter flight to Perth and back to fulfil the playing schedule during the COVID-disrupted 2022 season.
“It was a real example of the way proactive partners could deal with a difficult situation,” Hanham added.
Alliance Airlines provides further valuable support in rugby to the Wests club in Brisbane, the Australian Club Championship match and the Queensland Police men's and women's teams.
As part of the partnership with the Reds, the Alliance Airlines logo will continue to be displayed prominently on the back of the Queensland Reds Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s playing jerseys, warm-up tees and training tees.
Alliance Airlines Managing Director Scott McMillan said the partnership extension reflects the company’s positive experience in rugby.
“Over the course of the partnership, we have seen the Reds’ successes grow and have been delighted working with the QRU,” McMillan said.
“As a proud Queensland company based in Brisbane, we are excited to continue the relationship for another three years at such a key time for Australian rugby with the British and Irish Lions set to tour and a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
“As a specialist charter provider, we’ve seen the Reds and their fans utilise our services in a number of ways. There’s scope for schools and clubs to use these services as well.”
Today’s announcement of the Alliance Airlines extension follows the positive news in March that Bank of Queensland (BOQ) had joined the stable of blue-chip companies backing the Reds.
