Brisbane Airport’s new $1 billion runway finally opened on Saturday with a warbird flypast and the departure of a Virgin Australia 737-8FE to Cairns.
Shane Carmody was appointed in an acting capacity in October 2016 after former CEO Mark Skidmore resigned less than two years in the role.
Justin Giddings says that while it wouldn’t be appropriate to open “right now”, case numbers outside the capital are still low and the move would help tourism recover.
The ATSB has also revealed a pilot who flew the aircraft days before the accident reported feeling unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision was “in the national interest” and would also include a review of the isolation procedures.
A Qantas Boeing 737-838 received the traditional welcome when it landed on the Gold Coast from Sydney minutes before the Queensland border opened at midday.