Nautilus said the employee had “gained unauthorised access” to the helicopter hangar and “misappropriated” one of the Robinson R44 aircraft, hours after a party had been held among staff to celebrate his promotion.

The union said these workers are among the lowest-paid in the industry, with some receiving base pay of just over $50,000 annually, and could receive pay rises of more than $10,000 if the applications are successful, bringing their pay in line with Jetstar’s directly-employed cabin crew.

Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan AM will participate in a panel session at the Australian Aviation Summit alongside other industry heavyweights about how the industry could attract the next generation into aviation.

The RAAF has already hosted German military aircraft and personnel during the recent air combat training activity, Exercise Pitch Black, in the Northern Territory.