The helicopter, which will be based in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, was acquired following a funding boost announced by the state government.
The number of aircraft arriving and departing from Sydney Airport on Wednesday finally hit the same lows as the corresponding date in 2020, for the first time post-pandemic.
It comes after Victoria Premier Dan Andrews announced on Thursday afternoon that the state would head into a five-day snap lockdown, after cases rose to 16.
It comes after Rex's John Sharp said current border closures had closed 80 per cent of his business, while the TWU said stand-downs would be inevitable if restrictions increased.
In a strongly-worded statement to the ASX, the business said its board “unanimously” rejected the offer which it said took advantage of short-term COVID performance.
The aircraft will join US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys and Super Hercules at RAAF Base Townsville for the ninth itineration of the training exercise, which will also take place at Amberley, Tindal and Williamtown.