The airline said on Thursday that the move, which would see Alliance become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qantas, would allow it to "better serve the growing resources sector".

The Australian Defence Force will open the gates of RAAF Base Amberley to the public for the first time since 2008 this October as part of its 2022 Ipswich Amberley Air Tattoo.

Its six first-class suites are all complete with a privacy door, separate bed, lounge chair, individual wardrobe and a 32inch inflight entertainment screen, while its 52 business suites feature direct aisle access.

The intervention of Frank Kendall, who leads 700,000 military personnel, will come as a huge endorsement to Australia’s defence industry.