Koala Airlines emerges as potential new airline in Australia: What we know

A new airline has emerged in Australia known as Koala Airlines, with an ambitious plan ahead, and a hope it will get the green light to start flying. This is what we know.

A new airline has emerged in Australia known as Koala Airlines, with an ambitious plan ahead as it hopes to operate alongside other domestic and international flights.

This is what we know about the carrier so far.

WHAT IS KOALA AIRLINES?

Koala Airlines is an Australian company, which launched a website this week. It was founded in 2018.

But in 2019, the airline bought air tour and charter operator Desert Air Safaris, which has been operating for more than 50 years through Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

“The legacy of Desert Air will continue under the rebranded name of Koala Airlines,” it states.

WHERE IS KOALA AIRLINES BASED?

The airline company is Melbourne-based.

HOW WILL KOALA DIFFER FROM OTHER AIRLINES?

This is still unclear but the website states it will be “leveraging AI to optimise every facet of aviation business, from logistics and maintenance to customer service and beyond”.

It claims it will lead to “significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency”, giving them a “leading position in the market”.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BOOK FLIGHTS YET?

Not just yet. It is not clear when it will be able to fly or what routes it will cover. Koala Airlines’ website says it is finalising negotiations to acquire a fleet that will enable its Air Operators Certificate to be upgraded with a new aircraft type.

“As we progress, we will reveal more with you and welcome those in the industry who share our vision for innovation and excellence,” the company stated.

Koala Airlines has started a website with details of its strategy as a new airline carrier. Picture: Supplied

WHAT KIND OF PLANES WILL KOALA HAVE?

It’s unclear but photos on its website show a Koala Airline plane that is a Boeing 737 Max 8. The planned fleet size is also not revealed yet.

WILL IT BE A BUDGET AIRLINE CARRIER WITH CHEAPER PRICES?

Prices are not listed yet but the Koala Airlines website says while many new low-cost carriers have entered the market since 1990 and focused solely on offering cheaper fares ... Koala is taking a more innovative route”.

It states it plans to “carve out a unique niche” in the Australian airline sector.

WHO IS THE KOALA AIRLINES CEO?

Bill Astling is the company’s founding CEO. He has more than 45 years of aviation industry experience, which has come from roles he has had with Singapore Airlines, Air India, Angel Airlines, Merpati Indonesia, Sri Lankan Airlines, Jes Air, Antonov Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Lao Aviation, Vietnam Airlines, Sahara Airlines and Chinese airlines starting flights to Australia.

Originally published as Koala Airlines emerges as potential new airline in Australia: What we know