The 35-metre monster was accompanied four F/A-18 Classic Hornets from the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) 77 Squadron.

On top of that, the Prime Minister's Boeing 737 Business Jet made an appearance to pick up acting Prime Minister and local MP Barnaby Joyce.

The squadrons were in Tamworth to talk pilot trainees, who are undertaking basic flying training at British Aerospace (BAE).

“Having familiarisation training with the F/A-18 Hornet and AP-3C aircraft, and the opportunity to speak with aircrew, is important in building on the trainees' understanding of aviation capability and preparing them for their careers as pilots,” an Australia Defence Force spokesperson said.

Tamworth Regional Airport’s technical officer Matt Thorncroft said it was the busiest day the airport had seen in a long time.