Bonza was granted its Air Operator’s Certificate by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on Thursday.
Bonza is Australia’s lone independent low-cost carrier and is the first high-capacity major airline to enter the local market since Tigerair.
Based at the Sunshine Coast, Bonza is planning to service 17 destinations, including Melbourne, the Whitsundays, Cairns and Mildura.
Bonza chief executive officer Tim Jordan was delighted after the airline received the tick of approval.
“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better,” Mr Jordan said.
“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few. This has never been truer with today’s cost of living challenges.
“With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less.”
The first wave of Bonza flights will be from the Sunshine Coast base before it expands interstate.
Melbourne Airport said the airline would operate an initial 22 flights from Tullamarine that will directly connect the city with destinations in Queensland, Victoria and NSW.
“Destinations will include Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Mildura, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba,” a Melbourne Airport spokesperson said.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said Bonza’s arrival was a boost for Australian aviation as the sector continued its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a welcome milestone for Bonza and for Australian aviation as the sector continues its recovery from the COVID pandemic,” Ms King said.
“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.
“Australia has one of the safest aviation sectors in the world. 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.”
CASA Aviation Safety director 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.”
The airline’s digital approach means the app will be the only place to book, with the exception of registered travel agents.
For more, download the Fly Bonza app or visit: www.flybonza.com
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