Air New Zealand has appointed a new head of HR as the company grapples with laying off a third of its employees.

On Wednesday, Rex temporarily reversed its decision to suspend Queensland passenger flights after a last-minute intervention from the state’s government. The announcement is the latest in a dramatic negotiation between regional airlines and state and federal government, that has featured brinkmanship and U-turns from both camps. This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.

Applications have now opened for businesses to claim their share of the government’s $300 million regional aviation bailout.

Flight Centre Travel Group announced on Monday it will close 428 Australian stores by the end of July, or roughly 40 per cent of its network.