In huge news for Australian aviation fans from all walks of life, new low cost Australian airline Bonza has finally won approval to start flying across regional Australia. The official confirmation of Bonza’s Air Operator Certificate almost certainly ends month of speculation and now officially signals that Australia will get its first major new airline launching since the establishment of the now defunct Tiger Airways in the Australian domestic market more than 15 years ago.
Shortly before 2pm Queensland time on Thursday afternoon, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority finally granted the new start up airline its Air Operator Certificate which is the last major hurdle the airline had to clear before it can start selling flights across its brand new regional east-coast focused route network.
Bonza was first founded over 15 months ago in October 2021 and is funded and backed by Florida based private investment firm 777 Partners and has long touted its eagerness to launch flights in Australia based on a low cost carrier model covering predominately regional destinations on many routes that are currently not even served.
The airline has already taken delivery of 3 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with a further 8 on order with the next generation single aisle Boeing 737 touted to be a big part of the airline’s streamlined cost-effective operating model.
Passengers flying Bonza in an Australian first will be required to book to book through the airline’s dedicated app or travel agent and in line with keeping costs low will forgo the opportunity to book through a traditional website or over the phone. Also keeping in tune with the low cost model, passengers are expected to be treated to a completely ‘unbundled’ experience with the base level fares been exclusive of things such as complementary baggage allowance, seat selection or food and beveridge.
The airline will first launch out of its Sunshine Coast base before establishing another base in Melbourne later on.
The carrier will fly to 16 destinations from its base on the Sunshine Coast, including Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsunday coast, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, and Toowoomba Wellcamp in Queensland.
Interstate destinations include Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Newcastle, Albury, Mildura, Avalon, and Melbourne.
Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said he expected tickets to be on sale within days with flights due to start before February.
“I’m hoping that we’re talking days, or potentially a week or two, but not more than that,” Mr Jordan said.
“I would be hoping that by the end of the month, we will be taking to Australian skies.”
Mr Jordan said the airline would hold on to its low-cost goal.
“We believe that fares should start from about $50 for every hour that you fly,” he said.
Routes will be gradually added, as the carrier’s workforce and fleet continued to grow.
“It will be staggered, but it will be as quickly as is reasonable, over a number of weeks and likely a number of months.”
Regional Development Minister Catherine King welcome the developments saying it was a “welcome milestone’ in describingh the airline’s routes as currently underservices
“The entry of a new operator will boost competition in the Australian aviation sector, offering more choice to the travelling public, and putting downward pressure on fares,” she said.
“I commend the staff at CASA and Bonza who have worked hard over many months to progress this certification and to ensure that Bonza meets the high safety standards required of all airlines operating in Australia.”
