The terminal, which opened in late 2025, was judged on “energy efficiency, operational performance, environmental impact reduction and sustainable building practices”, with GBCA chief executive Davina Rooney calling the rating a “significant milestone”.

“Industry sources” cited by Reuters claimed that the Flying Kangaroo is in talks with Airbus and Boeing for more A350s or 787 Dreamliners, in addition to the 24 A350-1000s and 12 787s it currently has on order, though both Airbus and Boeing declined to comment.

Thomas, who served as part-time airlines editor at Australian Aviation between 2005 and 2018 and went on to found Airlineratings.com, was also a prolific aviation commentator and wrote on the sector for outlets including The West Australian, Business News and Asian Airlines & Aerospace.

The Wedgetail, deployed to the region in March, has conducted more than 40 missions providing long-range surveillance to help protect Gulf states against Iranian drone and missile attacks.

The contract has an initial value of $19.3 million, with an additional $5.6 million in options of the end user over a five-year period, according to a statement published on 2 June, and is for the supply of mobile and fixed site counter-drone solutions, comprising hardware, subscriptions, warranties and services.

The activity saw the two aircraft fly from air bases in Japan, sharing information through the tactical battlefield network as they would on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.