The $65 million deal would see Experience Co maintain a minority stake in its Australian and New Zealand skydive and aviation businesses, which would merge with Inflite’s existing operations. Experience Co would keep a 32.5 per cent interest in the combined business, with an estimated value of $110 million.

The airport saw 18,387,992 passengers in the 2026 financial year, an increase of 5.2 per cent over 2025, with international passengers up 8.1 per cent to 5.55 million, regional passengers up 6.0 per cent to 6.6 million, and interstate passengers up 1.9 per cent to 6.22 million.

Speaking to media at the airport on Monday, WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said there will be “a great mix of carriers moving forward” at launch, with robust ticket sales and “very positive feedback” across all its airline partners.

Brett Newman told a coronial inquest that helicopter pilot Ashley Jenkinson was distracted and under the influence of cocaine when his EC130 collided with another in mid-air on Main Beach minutes away from Surfers Paradise, killing four people including himself.