The funding the Aussie airlines will receive, together with the financial position they already have, will give them frequency and pricing capability that will test Air New Zealand.
The government is giving itself until after Easter to announce a date for the commencement of quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel.
NZ's connectivity to trading partners is vital, and government will continue to provide aviation sector support through to October at least.
Brian Gaynor looks back on the cause and effect of Auckland's massive property market bust.