Adam Thorn

The widely expected news comes after it recorded a record $1.428 billion half-year profit, which it put down to a better-than-expected demand for flying post-COVID.

The aircraft are set to arrive from late 2024 and will add more than 9,000 seats per week to its network.

Geoff Culbert made the comments as the airport revealed domestic passenger traffic slipped to just 87 per cent of pre-pandemic figures in July.

Organisers estimate the event attracted just under 100,000 paying attendees, but the overall number watching on from balconies or further up the beach could swell numbers to up to 300,000. 

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast Director, Kevin Elliott, said the event is “beyond honoured” to have Tucker as an ambassador for the show.

However, in a significant moment, international travel rose to 92 per cent of 2019 figures, buoyed by the arrival of travellers from China, India and the UK.