The program includes categories recognising the best aerospace program, technician and engineer and will culminate in a black-tie dinner in Canberra in July.
Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3, said he backed the tilt-rotor aircraft, which was grounded for three months after being involved in two fatal incidents last year.
Opposition transport spokesperson Bridget McKenzie said a Coalition government will implement a two-year trial of cabotage from Darwin if elected, which has been met with scepticism by the airline industry.
Starting 10 September, Qantas will fly three 737-800 services per week from Brisbane to Port Vila, with the capacity for up to five based on demand, while Jetstar will begin up to four weekly flights from Sydney to Port Vila on 12 December.