The iconic Chinook can trace its history all the way back to the 1960s, with its primary role including troop transportation, artillery emplacement and battlefield resupply.
The latest BITRE data released from the Department of Transport for November also reveals the industry as a whole still lagged behind long-term averages for delays as post-COVID-19 problems continue.
The funding will be used to upgrade the runway at Whyalla Airport in regional South Australia, which was last year at the centre of the high-profile “Rexit” stoush between Rex and the local council over enhanced security screening.
The planes landed at RAAF Base Williamtown between November and December as part of Operation Lightning Ferry, bringing the Air Force’s total F-35A contingent to 72.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth Airports are bracing for potential post-COVID highs in traveller numbers between 13 December and 27 January, with the holiday season tipped to be the busiest since at least 2019 at around 15.9 million passengers.
Airline Team Global Express said transporting the pair required “months of detailed planning” and “international collaboration”, while a vet was also on board the aircraft to assist.