The announcement comes only months after the business shut its Canadian pilot base, which followed the closing of its regional offshoot Cathay Dragon and overseas cabin crew bases.

The news follows a number of similarly concerning incidents in the past few weeks, which the Transport Workers’ Union suggests is a consequence of Qantas’ decision to outsource workers.

Deborah Lawrie has said she believes gender quotas are discriminatory and devalue the achievements of those who get the job. She argues the industry must work harder to encourage girls to consider a career in the industry.

Qantas' manager for engineering in LA said maintenance staff now use repurposed broom handles known as “wheel whackers” to scare the critters away from the aircraft's underside.