Permission for take-off for low-cost carrier

BONZA Airlines’ landing at Avalon Airport is imminent after the discount carrier received regulatory approval to begin flying.

The low-cost airline today announced it had the green light from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and would soon release its first tickets for journeys to regional airports across Australia, including a link between Geelong’s airfield and its base on the Sunshine Coast.

Bonza is yet to confirm exact on-sale dates, but its CEO Tim Jordan said Avalon would be among the first airports to come online.

“We are thrilled to announce Bonza has been granted its Air Operator Certificate. We’re finalising our preparations to go on sale with flights from our Sunshine Coast base which includes Avalon Airport to Sunshine Coast.

“Once those preparations are complete, the community of Avalon will be able to book flights to the Sunshine Coast via the Fly Bonza app.”

The airline plans to eventually have 27 routes across 27 destinations on Australia’s east coast, primarily targeting regional areas with limited choice of airlines.

The company has previously indicated its flight costs would be around $50 per hour of flight time – meaning a Geelong-Sunshine Coast trip would cost around $100.

It first announced plans to fly its Geelong route early last year and has received three planes while waiting for the regulator’s tick-off.

“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,” Mr Jordan said.

“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better.

“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.”