Qantas shares spiked within minutes of Virgin Australia entering voluntary administration on Tuesday morning -- but have subsequently slumped after interest grew in acquiring its rival.

Fifteen airlines have signed up to a new initiative that will see the government partially underwrite agriculture and fisheries airfreight routes previously cut off by the coronavirus crisis.

Air New Zealand’s chief revenue officer has tweeted that the airline has seen a “reasonably significant” spike in bookings after the country announced plans to ease its lockdown.

Here is Rex's already confirmed schedule for routes covered by the government package. And also the total weekly return service if its application for more flights is approved.