New carrier airborne from Cairns after CASA green light

New flights to three Queensland destinations onboard the nation’s newest budget carrier are preparing to take off, so now is the time to download the Fly Bonza app. All the details here.

Cairns travellers are one step closer to a more competitive domestic flight market as a new low-cost carrier completes its final checks before takeoff.

In an exciting move for Far North Queensland, Cairns is set to feature in the first wave of destinations to go on sale once operations begin.

Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

The airline is now finalising its preparations to go on sale with its first wave of flights out of the airline’s home base on the Sunshine Coast to include routes to Cairns.

Cairns Airport celebrated the development following the regulator’s approval.

“This means that flights will be going on sale very shortly,” the airport stated on social media

“Now is the time to download the Fly Bonza app, as this will be the only place to book flights direct.”

Bonza has revealed its planned network.

Bonza has been working collaboratively with the regulator as it works towards connecting communities by gradually introducing its initial route map of 17 destinations and 27 routes – 93 per cent of which are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent of which currently have no low-cost carrier.

“This is 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,” Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said.

Tim Jordan, CEO, Bonza said he is thrilled about offering Cairns travellers a chance to access their destinations.

“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.”

Bonza will soon go on sale with its Sunshine Coast base followed by its Melbourne base.

Mr Jordan urged Aussies to download the Fly Bonza app and sign up to be the first to know when its initial phase of flights will be up for grabs.

“I’d like to thank our team of legends who have worked very hard to achieve (this) milestone working alongside CASA who do incredibly important work regulating Australian aviation,” he said.

“Now, our focus turns to connecting communities and we hope to see many Aussies on-board soon.”

CASA director of aviation safety and chief executive officer Pip Spence 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,’ Ms Spence said.

“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 Airline landed at Avalon Airport in Victoria. File Picture: Tony Gough

Ms Spence said the AOC process was designed to ensure that everyone boarding an aircraft in Australia could do so with confidence and the knowledge they were travelling safely.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said this is a welcome milestone for Bonza and Australian aviation as the sector recovers from the pandemic.

“The entry of a new operator will boost competition in the Australian aviation sector, offering more choice to the travelling public, and putting downward pressure on fares,” Minister King said.

“Australia has one of the safest aviation sectors in the world.

“I commend the staff at CASA and Bonza who have worked hard over many months to progress this certification and to ensure that Bonza meets the high safety standards required of all airlines operating in Australia.”

Originally published as New carrier airborne from Cairns after CASA green light