CEO Dan Hart extended stand down for most of the business’s employees but insisted discussions on a potential injection of cash are still ongoing.
The original aircraft was damaged beyond repair while taking off over the Nellis Test and Training Range in Nevada in preparation for the start of Exercise Red Flag 18-1.
The airlifter safely touched down with the samples in special powered cold boxes as they were transferred from Casey Station to Hobart earlier this month.
The announcement comes after Rex’s deputy chairman, John Sharp, quipped he “can’t imagine” why anyone would fly the airline's upcoming route between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast.
The long-planned move follows Sydney Airport’s CEO claiming this month that the domestic aviation recovery has been “stagnant” since April last year and appearing to blame airlines for holding back capacity.
More than 1,500 FAAA members voted in favour of the agreement that will only increase work hours from 9.45 to 10 hours – rather than the 12 hours sought by the Flying Kangaroo. Rest periods will also be maintained.