The car hire service started operating from the Cloncurry Airport and the Gidgee Motor Inn this week and will officially launch the service at a function next Wednesday.

Ten new passenger cars and mining-suitable vehicles are ready and waiting at the airport, with another six to join its ranks at the accredited hotel.

Europcar business development manager Paul Young said Cloncurry Shire Council's fight to secure Virgin Australia flights at its airport made the company's transition into the community even easier.

``We're the official hire car partner of Virgin Australia and that's what zeroed us in on Cloncurry in the first place,'' he said.

Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels said this was a major milestone for the shire.

``Business travellers, tourists and even locals can now hire a vehicle to get around; whether that's out to the mines, around town for our big events like the Curry Merry Muster Festival or the Stockman's Challenge, or just hitting the road to take in the rugged landscape,'' he said. ``It just goes to show you how much Cloncurry has grown.''

Europcar also has its sights firmly set on bringing its services to Mount Isa.

Mr Young said their bid to operate out of the Mount Isa Airport wasn't confirmed but was hopeful that an agreement would be reached.