The results were significantly worse than the $76.8 million recorded in the previous corresponding period but compares favourably to Qantas' underlying loss of $1.86 billion.
The project will act as a central hub to support research, digital technologies, training and ideas for the local workforce.
The deal will initially see the ASX-listed company create a costed scope of work. If approved, Orbital will then be tasked with completing the development in the second half of FY23.
Richard Goyder has said Alan Joyce and his executive team have done “exceptionally well” to recover from COVID in a strongly-worded riposte to the chief executive's critics.
It follows similar poaching schemes in reverse by the national carrier and also an extraordinary court battle between the two airlines over ‘defecting’ Virgin Velocity loyalty chief Nick Rohrlach.
The first flight under the unique partnership departed on Tuesday, with ZK-NFA taking off from Christchurch at 11:49am as NZ8844 and landing in Nelson at 12:40pm, local time.