New airline Bonza authorized to begin operations

Australia’s new low-cost airline Bonza announced Thursday that the country’s civil aviation regulator had granted it an Air Operator’s Certificate, authorizing it to begin scheduled passenger flights.

Bonza will enter a domestic aviation market largely dominated by Qantas and Virgin Australia. According to the country’s competition regulator, Qantas and its Jetstar unit together carried more than 60% of domestic passengers in October 2022, while Virgin Australia carried 33.6%.

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However, Bonza, backed by U.S. private investment firm 777 Partners, has its eyes on routes not served by its larger rivals.

The airline is now preparing to start selling tickets for its initial 27 routes, from its Sunshine Coast base.