Alliance Aviation Founder Steps Down, Stewart Tully Takes Helm
Alliance Aviation Services announces founder Scott McMillan will step down as Joint Managing Director at the November AGM, with Stewart Tully set to become sole Managing Director, concluding a year-long succession plan.
- Founder Scott McMillan to retire July 2026 after stepping down as Joint Managing Director
- Stewart Tully appointed sole Managing Director following 12-month succession plan
- McMillan remains in executive role until mid-2026 to ensure smooth transition
- Alliance operates 79 aircraft and serves mining, energy, and government sectors
- Board expresses confidence in Tully’s decade-long experience and leadership
Leadership Transition at Alliance Aviation
Alliance Aviation Services Limited, a stalwart in Australia's contract and charter aviation sector, has announced a significant leadership change. Founder Scott McMillan will step down as Joint Managing Director at the company’s Annual General Meeting on 27 November 2025. This marks the culmination of a carefully orchestrated 12-month succession plan designed to maintain operational continuity and strategic momentum.
McMillan, who co-founded Alliance in 2002, has been instrumental in transforming the company from a fledgling start-up into one of Australia’s largest aviation service providers. His tenure saw the company’s successful ASX listing in 2011 and steady growth to a workforce of 1,450 employees. Under his leadership, Alliance has earned a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and reliability, navigating through economic cycles and global disruptions with resilience.
Stewart Tully – The New Sole Managing Director
Stewart Tully, who has been with Alliance for over a decade, will assume the role of sole Managing Director following the AGM. Having served as Chief Executive Officer and more recently as Joint Managing Director, Tully’s elevation is the logical next step in the company’s leadership evolution. His deep operational expertise and intimate knowledge of Alliance’s business model position him well to lead the company forward.
Tully expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable aviation services. He emphasized continuity, focusing on supporting employees and the communities Alliance serves, while pursuing strategic growth opportunities.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Scott McMillan will remain in an executive capacity until July 2026, overseeing key strategic projects to ensure a seamless handover. Notably, he has chosen not to participate in incentive plans for the current financial year but will retain performance rights earned previously, vesting upon his retirement. This approach underscores a commitment to stability and long-term value creation for shareholders.
Chairman James Jackson paid tribute to McMillan’s foundational role and expressed confidence in Tully’s ability to steer Alliance through its next chapter. The board’s endorsement signals a steady hand at the helm amid a competitive and evolving aviation landscape.
Alliance’s Market Position and Outlook
Alliance operates a fleet of 79 aircraft, including Fokker 70/100 and Embraer E190 models, with firm purchase commitments extending into mid-2026. The company services critical sectors such as mining, energy, and government, and holds prestigious certifications like IATA’s IOSA and Flight Safety Foundation’s BARS Gold status. Its operational bases span major Australian cities, reinforcing its national footprint.
As Alliance transitions leadership, the market will be watching closely to see how Tully balances legacy strengths with innovation and growth. The company’s solid foundation and strategic positioning provide a strong platform, but execution will be key to sustaining momentum.
Bottom Line?
Alliance’s leadership handover marks a pivotal moment, how Stewart Tully navigates the future will define the company’s next era.
Questions in the middle?
- What strategic initiatives will Stewart Tully prioritize as sole Managing Director?
- How will the leadership change impact Alliance’s operational performance and customer relationships?
- Will the company pursue fleet expansion or diversification under new leadership?
