Zirconia (3mol% Y₂O₃) matrix composites reinforced with 20vol% α-alumina whiskers were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1200 to 1500°C under 30MPa for a short holding time of 5min. The room temperature mechanical properties were measured. The SPS brought about dense alumina whisker/zirconia composites at a sintering temperature lower than that in the hot-pressing process. The composites obtained by SPS had strengths, hardness and fracture toughness higher than those by hot-pressing under the same sintering temperatures. The zirconia matrix grains in the composites prepared by SPS grew larger than those by hot-pressing.