‘It will be interesting to see how that is managed,’ he says. ‘We have been in contact with authorities at both ends but while trans Tasman restrictions requiring quarantine stay in place our Auckland-Norfolk service will remain suspended.’ Meantime, Emery says Chathams Island services have shown the best rebound of the airline’s flights.

‘Our freight volumes carried in that route network were actually greater than June 2019. Passengers were down on the previous year, with less services and lower demand. On a positive note though our winter bookings for packaged and guided tours have been selling like hotcakes as Chathams is the only ‘overseas’ destination available, so that has been a lifeline for the local accommodation and activity providers. ‘Our mainland services connecting Auckland to Whakatane, Whanganui and Kapiti have been a mixed bag.’ (See also ‘Chathams Islands boost as Kiwis seek new options’) Click here.