The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the much-awaited Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to new Australian airline Bonza clearing its path of launching commercial operations soon. The airline plans to launch its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8s from Queensland followed by Melbourne soon.
Thrilled at receiving the AOC, Tim Jordan, CEO, Bonza, said: “Today marks a 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. 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.”
A specialist CASA team has been working with Bonza since it submitted its application last year, progressively assessing various components and providing feedback.
Pip Spence, CASA Director of Aviation Safety and Chief Executive Officer, 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. 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.”
Bonza received its fourth 737MAX 8 in December 2022 and has been training crews and ground since last few months. Interestingly the start-up airline has been working with the regulator on its initial route map of 17 destinations and 27 routes, 93% of which are not currently served by any other airline and 96% of which currently have no low-cost carrier.