The Civil Aviation Safety Authority today issued an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to new Australian airline Bonza after the carrier submitted final documents and successfully completed proving flights.
First announced in 2021, Australian airline Bonza , that is inspired by the Ryanair model , will finally take to the skies in 2023, after securing regulatory approval.
The soon-to-launch carrier's aim is to open up routes to more of the country's regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering low-cost fares in the process.
Today, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan announced that the airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
"This is an historic moment for Australian aviation as we get ready to launch the first high-capacity airline in more than 15 years, and the country's only independent low-cost carrier," said Jordan. "With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less."
The AOC is the regulatory approval required by Bonza to fly scheduled passenger-carrying flights in Australia. A specialist CASA team had been working with Bonza since it submitted its application last year, progressively assessing various components and providing feedback.
CASA Director of Aviation Safety and Chief Executive Officer Pip Spence said Bonza went through a rigorous assessment and validation process to ensure it could operate safely.
'This is a significant milestone and we congratulate Bonza on achieving its air operator’s certificate,' Ms Spence said. 'The CASA and Bonza teams worked collaboratively throughout the application to ensure the airline’s operations met Australia’s high aviation safety standards. 'I would especially like to acknowledge Bonza’s willingness to work with us on this complex process.'
Ms Spence said the AOC process was designed to ensure that everyone boarding an aircraft in Australia could do so with confidence and the knowledge they were travelling safely.
'All commercial operators in Australia have to go through this process, which considers how the operator will meet the required safety standards,' she said.'Our assessment includes a thorough examination of technical documentation as well as verification and testing. 'The process examines whether the airline has the facilities, processes and appropriately trained personnel to comply with their operations manual.'
'It involves conducting assessments of the carrier’s proposed operations, facilities, aircraft and the aerodromes to which they operate to ensure that they meet our safety requirements.'
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said Bonza would boost competition in the sector, leading to downward pressure on fares.
'The Australian Government welcomes the entry of a new airline into the Australian market, with Bonza today being granted its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) following a rigorous assessment process.'
'This is a significant milestone for Australian aviation, marking the first new high-capacity entrant into the Australian market since the launch of Tiger Airways over 15 years ago.'
Expected to be a Replica of Ryanair , Bonza has the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which is behind the Canadian Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian Value Alliance.
The airline with an initial fleet of 737-8MAX planes, hasn't yet announced when you'll be able to book, other than soon, but to do so you'll need to download the airline's app. But , the newly acquired Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) means cheap flights to and from the Sunshine Coast, Mackay and Rockhampton are now just months away.
The carrier will fly to locations such as Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays in Queensland; Albury, Tamworth, Newcastle Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie in New South Wales; and Melbourne, Avalon and Mildura in Victoria , with definite focus on the regional destinations.
