It came despite reports that one of the three major ‘proxy firms’ told its members that the CEO’s targets weren’t “sufficiently challenging”.

Richard Goyder told the business’ AGM that the airline’s long-standing boss would continue until “at least” the end of 2023, and a conversation on his exit wouldn’t happen until “sometime into next year”.

It comes after Australian Aviation exclusively revealed how the airline had quietly registered its latest aircraft, VH-UBI, as it edges towards launch.

Defence said earlier this week it was committed to “replacing and expanding” the Lockheed Martin C-130, but the US State Department seemingly gave away more details of a possible deal when it granted permission for the transaction.