Air NZ is targeting one-way tickets between Auckland and Sydney at between $280 and $300 as the trans-Tasman bubble opens.
Family-owned Ritchies is said to be on the sales block with Australian giant Sealink rumoured to be the frontrunner. But the founding family denies it intends to sell.
“After all that we have all been through, it needs to be done in a safe and well-planned way. Both sides of the Tasman have excelled so far and made many sacrifices. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” MCK chair Colin Sim said.
Hundreds of beds previously occupied by low-risk Aussie arrival will be freed up in the MIQ system.