A route via Singapore will initially fly three times per week on 787-9 Dreamliners, with non-stop services to commence once it acquires the A350-1000s necessary to reach Australia’s east coast directly from Istanbul. The first flight will touch down in Melbourne on 16 March.

New analysis of data shows that the twin effects of inflation and the rising price of jet fuel has mitigated an increase in services from the major carriers.

Despite the opening being delayed to next year, several key milestones are “on track” according to airport management, with the old terminal demolished, columns for the new border agency installed, work underway on lift pits and baggage tunnels, and a concrete slab poured last week.

Minister Conroy, speaking on ABC Radio on Thursday, said a global search undertaken by MRH-90 Taipan contractor NATO Helicopter Industries to find buyers for the beleaguered fleet uncovered “zero interest”, before hitting back at public scrutiny over the government’s refusal to send the capability to Ukraine.