Speaking to The Australian, Mullen said Qantas has “religiously followed through” on every one of the Saar report’s 32 recommendations after it found the airline’s leadership had been too deferential to former CEO Alan Joyce before his departure in 2023.

Defence has confirmed initial tests were recently completed on the first remotely piloted aircraft system, based at RAAF Base Tindal, and that the second and third aircraft arrived at the facility in May this year.

Domestic and international traffic both grew year on year during the three months from April to June this year, with 6.09 million domestic and 3.94 million passengers. In total, passenger numbers grew 3 per cent over the same period in 2024.

The works will include expansion of the terminal to both the north and south, as well as a larger check-in area with overhauled technology and 25 per cent more capacity, and the addition of up to nine more aircraft parking positions.