Air New Zealand CEO says trans-Tasman bubble will likely change

The CE of Air New Zealand, Greg Foran, has said he is confident international travel will resume early next year but thinks the trans-Tasman bubble will likely change. Foran said he is excited to open up to key markets again, such as North America and China, which his airline has continued to serve. He added the latest Delta outbreak would plunge Australia into the same category as other countries when it comes to how New Zealand operates travel. “I do think that we (will) open up to Australia but in all likelihood, we may end up operating Australia like we do with many countries when we feel travel is safe,” he said. With international countries, the prerequisites of entering New Zealand are providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and once arrived, 14 days of managed isolation is mandatory. “A bubble makes it quite a seamless experience for a customer. You’re not having to do a pre-departure test. You’re not having to prove you’ve been vaccinated.” Even if the trans-Tasman bubble does reopen, he said he imagines “you’re probably going to have to be vaccinated.”<br/>