In particular, the two organisations will collaborate on the discovery of digital engineering technologies, AI and machine learning. 

Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said smaller airlines must accept employees will move to bigger rivals, adding that it represents a good outcome for everyone.

Skytrans, which has operated three flights per week to Bamaga since September 2021, will increase its frequency to nine per week as of October 30 with an eye to further increases from April. It follows Rex’s decision to drop the route, accusing Qantas of “relentless pillaging” of its pilots.

The Roy Morgan survey, now in its second year, saw consumers turn away from Qantas – last year’s inaugural winner in travel and tourism – for its main rival following a plague of negative headlines for much of 2023, a reputational firestorm that forced the early exit of ex-CEO Alan Joyce.