The Flight Attendants Association of Australia has accused the Flying Kangaroo of a “breathtaking” lack of transparency over the deal, which it says will use “labour hire” firms.

The appointment was announced just days after Airservices CEO Jason Harfield admitted his organisation is not delivering the standard of service expected following a row over closed airspace.

The agreement will see Flair aircraft and crew fly Bonza-branded flights in the Australian summer, while Bonza will reciprocate and send its planes and people to Canada during the North American peak season.

The report into the incident last year said balloon maker Kubicek Balloons made “incorrect assumptions” about a modification and didn’t then subsequently conduct the required test necessary to ensure it was safe.