There’s a new kid on the Australian aviation block and it’s poised to shake things up. Just a few months after Bonza and Rex went into administration, Melbourne-based airline Koala Airlines is hoping to crack into the commercial passenger aviation arena and offer Australians a budget option for travel. The airline would go head-to-head with two formidable players in the Australian market, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Aside from their overnight announcement, not a lot is known at this stage but here’s what we can expect.
Koala Airlines
The low-cost Koala Airlines is eyeing a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft that will travel between yet-to-be-disclosed routes. According to Aerotime, Koala already has a management team in place. They also have a logo, a social media presence, and an active website that states the carrier will carve out a unique niche for itself and “transform how aviation businesses operate, driving efficiency, accuracy, and smarter management across the board”.
There is no information about the launch dates and the website says, “As we progress, we will reveal more with you and welcome those in the industry who share our vision for innovation and excellence.”
Notably, according to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the airline does not currently have the required air operator permits or aerial work certificates.
The airline was founded in 2018 and the owners acquired Desert Air Safaris’ Air Operators Certificate (AOC) in 2019 which operates air tours and charter flights throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands.
Time will tell how the ambitious plans of Koala Airways pan out but taking on the likes of Qantas and Virgin has hardly fared well for other operators.
Check out their official website for more information and watch this space for updates.