In response, Virgin said it would continue to bargain in good faith and was committed to reaching an “amicable solution” on a new deal on pay and conditions.

The “wings night” on Thursday saw around 250 people turn out to congratulate more than 64 recipients of awards and qualifications including RPL, PPL, and CPL graduates. It was the first time the night had been held at Randwick, having moved from the QVB tearooms due to high demand.

The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) has released data from a Redbridge poll of 1,022 adults showing that 89 per cent would feel less safe boarding a flight with only a single pilot at the controls. 65 per cent said they would feel “much less safe”, and 24 per cent “a little less safe”.

Economy and business class cabins will both receive new seating, with business class seats to double from 21 to 44. The airline will also install on-board wi-fi and a lie-flat crew rest area, freeing up to eight business and economy seats for passengers.