QRU and Alliance Airlines take flight for three more years

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has announced a three-year extension of its partnership with Alliance Airlines, extending their collaboration until the end of 2028.

As part of the continued partnership with the Reds, the Alliance Airlines logo will maintain its prominent position on the back of the Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s jerseys, as well as on warm-up and training tees.

Since the partnership commenced in 2021, the relationship between QRU and the Queensland-based air-charter expert has flourished on multiple fronts.

It has evolved beyond mere aviation services to a shared commitment to rugby, connecting everyone from the Queensland Reds to grassroots clubs.

Commenting on the partnership, QRU chief executive, David Hanham, said: “This extension, creating an eight-year association, reflects the compatibility of our goals.”

“It’s a major achievement for both QRU and the Reds to continue collaborating with such a strong Queensland entity.

“Alliance Airlines does much more than provide flights—they actively support the game.

“Under the leadership of Managing Director Scott McMillan and Chief Executive Stewart Tully, we’ve experienced first-hand the high standards of Alliance Airlines as an organisation,

“This was a prime example of how proactive partners can navigate tricky situations,” Hanham said.

Alliance Airlines, managing director, Scott McMillan, added: “Throughout our collaboration, we’ve witnessed the Reds’ achievements flourish and have enjoyed working closely with the QRU.”

“As a proud Brisbane-based company, we look forward to extending our relationship during a pivotal time for Australian rugby, especially with the British and Irish Lions tour approaching and the Rugby World Cup set for 2027, 

“As a specialist charter provider, we are excited to see both the Reds and their passionate fans benefit from our services, while also envisioning opportunities for schools and clubs to engage with us,” McMillan said.

The partnership has catered to the unique needs of the Reds as an elite sporting team, as well as the broader rugby community in Queensland. This includes transporting the Reds and their staff to events like the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma and Narrabri in recent years.

Additionally, member, sponsor, and donor tours to locations such as Samoa, Christchurch, and Townsville have offered exceptional experiences that have strengthened engagement across regional Queensland and beyond.

Alliance Airlines played a crucial role in 2022, as they successfully transported both the men’s and women’s Reds teams on the same charter flight to Perth, ensuring that the teams fulfilled their demanding schedules during a challenging COVID-disrupted season.

In addition to supporting the Reds, Alliance Airlines significantly contributes to local rugby initiatives, including backing the Wests club in Brisbane, the Australian Club Championship match, and the Queensland Police men’s and women’s teams.

Today’s announcement of this extension comes on the heels of March’s exciting revelation that Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has joined the ranks of premier companies supporting the Reds.

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