Nautilus Aviation, which owned the helicopter that hit the roof of the DoubleTree hotel on the Cairns Esplanade at around 1:50am, said the flight was “unauthorised” and that it is working with authorities including Queensland Police and the ATSB to investigate the matter.

The device, which will see use by more than 2,250 crew members for training and assessment over the next 12 months, includes 52 fully-functioning seats across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Premier classes.

Hundreds were evacuated from the Double Tree Hotel on the Cairns Esplanade after the Robinson R44 helicopter collided with the roof at around 1:50am, causing a fire. Two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

Michael Jones, who now oversees spaceport business Equatorial Launch Australia, revealed the group were attracted to the prospect of growing Rex’s 737 capital city services.