Greg Mullins argued countries would be unwilling to lend Australia its aircraft if its own fire season lasted all year round, rather than being confined to the summer months.

First unveiled at Avalon 2023, the aerospace giant said STRIX completed its tests fully autonomously in Australia, with a remote pilot providing safety overwatch who was not required to intervene.

Delivered through six-week teaching blocks, the roughly 12-month course aims to teach “technical knowledge and strategic management skills” to potential industry leaders, the university said.

The 34-year-old pilot, as well as two tourists in their 60s believed to be from Switzerland and Denmark, died after their Cessna 208 Caravan 675, VH-WTY, reportedly crashed into a rocky outcrop on take-off and plunged into the ocean.