Adam Thorn

The report into the incident last year said balloon maker Kubicek Balloons made “incorrect assumptions” about a modification and didn’t then subsequently conduct the required test necessary to ensure it was safe.

An ATSB report reveals the decision of staff on the 737 to continue on as planned to Sydney, rather than the closer Norfolk Island, meant “no additional risk” was added to an already “high workload situation”.

Searchers have also found parts of the helicopter’s cockpit in water about 40 metres deep, despite poor weather hampering the recovery.

The surprise announcement will also see the new airline initially ‘wet lease’ aircraft, meaning another airline will operate the services under the Bonza brand.  

The Defence Minister added that exercises such as Talisman Sabre are critical to securing the country and hailed the men for “making a difference”.

It comes as the Head of Army defended the use of the troubled aircraft and urged people not to jump to conclusions about the cause of the accident.