Despite the ongoing state feud about the appropriate time to open borders back up, sentiment among the industry is positive, with Qantas raring to go as soon as they’re given the green light and bidding for Virgin to be finalised by this Friday.

However, the event has said the uncertainty around international travel means it will focus on aircraft available within the country.

Air New Zealand has yet to tap into its $900m (NZD) of government loans, documents submitted to the country's stock exchange reveal. 

National Secretary Michael Kaine said, “Thousands of airport workers for almost two months have had no pay, their leave and savings have been exhausted and they are terrified about their families’ future.”