The development is possible because the business will soon extend its service beyond residential homes to include commercial business locations in a dozen suburbs – up from just three currently.

Rex’ deputy chairman John Sharp was speaking on the latest episode of the Australian Aviation podcast where he was discussing his airline's high-profile falling out with Qantas.

The country’s minister in charge of responding to the virus said the decision was a “close call” but the correct one given many unknowns about the outbreak remain.

Australian aviation’s new capacity wars show no sign of relenting after Qantas said it would rival Virgin on three new routes its reborn competitor only announced last week.