New low cost carrier aims to launch in Australia

New low cost carrier Koala Airlines aims to launch services in the commercial aviation market with its website revealing its management team and logo. The website features a 737 MAX 8 aircraft, including its namesake on the livery. ""Koala’s strategy will fundamentally differ from previous entrants in a domestic market which has been long dominated by two major airlines since the Australian government first introduced the two airline policy in 1952,"" it read on its website. The new player in the Australian aviation field continued: ""Under this protectionist policy, only two airlines were allowed to operate flights between state capital cities and between capitals and nominated regional centres. It was not until 1990 that the government relaxed the policy to allow competition in the market."" Koala said its low cost competitors in Australia had ""focused solely on offering cheaper fares"" which it believed was unsustainable. Only a few months ago, Australian low-cost airline Bonza ceased operations. ""Another airline bites the dust in Australia,"" the airline had said in a LinkedIn post at the time. It added: ""The promise of low fares has been unsuccessful. It appears they have been too low. Unlike the previous collapses, Bonza can’t blame Qantas or Virgin for competition as most of their flights were to unserved destinations."" It added that is ""taking a more innovative route"" by ""carving out a unique niche that enhances the industry landscape without disrupting existing standards"" and aims to create a ""lasting impact"" in the sector. Rich words, though the airline has yet to receive its air operator's certificate (AOC). Its website says it is finalising negotiations to acquire a fleet that will enable its AOC to be upgraded with the new aircraft type. Koala's founding CEO is Bill Astling, who has over 45 years experience in the aviation and tourism field. Bill founded Koala Airlines in March 2018. In addition, Keith Bolshaw is the company's CFO as well as Phil Le Liu as director and Sally Spring as its chief operating officer.