Koala Airlines hopes to launch in Australia

A new budget carrier is hoping to hit the skies, and has big plans to take on Qantas and Virgin.

A new airline hopes to start flying in Australia and reduce domestic ticket prices, but exactly how they plan to compete is yet to be seen.

Koala Airlines, a Melbourne-based aviation company, has launched a website revealing its management team and logo, with a render showing that it could be using a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft.

Australia has just two carriers between major city routes after Rex and Bonza went into administration earlier this year.

Koala says it will avoid this fate by “carving out a unique niche that enhances the industry landscape”, without trying to compete directly with Qantas and Virgin.

According to their website: “Koala 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.”

Koala has revealed its management team and logo.

Koala was founded in 2018. In 2019, the airline bought air tour and charter operator Desert Air Safaris, paving the way for the eventual rebranding into Koala.

It is not yet clear when Koala intends to start flying, and what routes will be available.

“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 states.

Koala hopes to take on Qantas. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Bonza went into administration in July. The airline offered Australians in the regions a chance to snatch a holiday to tourist hotspots or see loved ones in under-serviced cities and towns at ultra-low prices.

But less than 18 months later, Bonza went bust, collapsing into administration with thousands of passengers left stranded.

Rex Airlines went into administration in August.

“This is another dark day for aviation, with over 600 families faced with sudden joblessness in an industry that has taken hit after hit,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said at the time.

News.com.au has contacted Koala for further comment.

Originally published as Koala Airlines hopes to launch in Australia