A new regional airline will fly to Darwin from July while Bonza makes up its mind

A new regional airline will add Darwin to its growing network from July, with another airline operator shaking up Australia’s aviation scene also eyeing off the NT.

Upgrades to Darwin Airport’s runway are among a number of factors being considered by a start-up regional airline on the lookout for new markets.

Bonza began flying out of the Sunshine Coast in January and has 17 destinations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said the Territory was part of the company’s plans, and he was in negotiations with the Territory’s Airport Development Group to gain access to NT landing points.

“We’re talking to the airport,” Mr Jordan said.

“It’s one of the most expensive locations in the country, that’s for sure, and we want to offer everybody, no matter where you live, the same opportunities for low fares.

“What we have at the moment are 17 of the most enthusiastic airports and what we’ve seen is other communities reaching out because they realise we have a point of difference to offer.

“Airport fees are a significant part of our cost equation.

“When looking at shorter flights, it actually was the largest cost component of our business case.”

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan. Photo: News Corp Australia

Bonza has sub-$100 fares for a number of east coast destinations.

“There are two markets that jump out at us - both Alice Springs and Darwin flag themselves to us - and there are opportunities,” he said.

“The runway works are a consideration. As part of some of the discussions we’ve had the availability or non-availability of the runway was brought to our attention. It’s a factor, but not as much of a factor in making sure we have the right long-term cost settings.”

Meanwhile, a new airline start-up from northwestern WA is expected to begin flying to Darwin in July.

Nexus Avionics launched on Wednesday after Kununurra-based regional freight-forwarder Aviair broadened its operation to include commercial passenger flights.

Nexus Airlines will operate with a fleet of five de Havilland next generation Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. First flights are expected in July.

Nexus Airlines managing director Michael McConachy.

The new airline has a unique funding mix including private capital and Western Australian state and local government contributions.

Nexus managing director Michael McConachy said flights would link all the major west coast destinations between Perth and Darwin including Geraldton, Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha and Kununurra.

“We have been working with Darwin Airport and they’ve certainly been supportive,” Mr McConachy said.

“Discussions have been extremely positive and Nexus is looking forward to developing that relationship.”

Nexus Airlines will fly to Darwin in July 2023

Flight times and fare structures into and out of Darwin would be announced closer to first flights in July.

He said regional NT destinations were possible, although the current focus were west coast routes.

As well as its own contribution, Nexus is funded under the WA government’s Inter-Regional Flight Network with a four-year, $4.05m contribution from the WA government and a similar combined contribution from City of Greater Geraldton, City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland and Shire of Broome, as well as Broome and Port Hedland private airports.

Airport Development Group manager Alan Woo said Darwin Airport was in “constant dialogue” with current and prospective airline partners with a view to increasing flights to Darwin and Alice Springs airports.

“ADG’s focus is to increase the number of flights and range of destination options for Territorians,” he said.

In 2022 Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford called for the NT government to subsidise a fair cap between Alice Springs and Darwin, similar to a scheme also in place in WA.

The NT government declined to adopt the proposal.

Originally published as A new regional airline will fly to Darwin from July while Bonza makes up its mind