The extraordinary developments came after Victoria recorded 191 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, the highest since the pandemic began.
Boeing 737 pilot Andres Czajkowski, who recently lost his job at Virgin Australia, gives his thoughts on using his existing skills to find employment elsewhere.
The flights will go on sale at midday on Wednesday and will operate on Monday 13 July (Sydney), Wednesday 15 July (Brisbane) and Friday 17 July (Canberra).
The move has led to angry complaints on social media from citizens trying to return home, while the business has warned its contact centre is very busy.
The message, also signed by six unions, asks the payment to apply to all workers in the industry and run until domestic and international borders open.
Troy Thomas’ 12-year-old daughter Mia, also on board, survived but her friend of the same age died. Another 24-year-old woman is in a critical condition.