few stories around yesterday such as this one below, imply that NTL has not had international services in the past.
NSW closer to second international airport - 9news.com.au
Freedom used to fly NTL/AKL/NTL using a 733 if I recall correctly. they pulled out around 2003.
A well funded BNE group proposed taking over the route using 757's, initially as charters, but got very little support locally & idea was scrapped. What's different now especially when heading into a massive recession ?