‘People’s airline’, named brad, uses crowdfunding in a bid to fly

A who’s who of Australian aviation is behind an ambitious bid to crowdfund a new Australian airline called ‘brad’.

Captain Deborah Lawrie, 66, paved the way for female pilots after winning a landmark sex discrimination case against Ansett Airlines to secure her spot on the flight deck.

A high-flying group of former airline pilots and executives has launched a bid for a new Australian airline — by crowdfunding.

The proposed carrier, billed the “people’s airline”, is named after Brad Coombe, a former pilot with Trans Australian, Malaysian and Compass, based in Perth.

Mr Coombes said he was being advised by Deborah Lawrie, the first female pilot at a major Australian airline, and former Virgin executive John Thomas.

Launched last Friday, the crowdfunding page for brad says it is “time for Australians to rethink the way they fly”.

“Unfortunately people have become used to uninspired food, expensive tickets and excessive fees,” reads the crowdfunding pitch.

“We think it’s time for a change — and we are prepared to provide the answer, while reducing costs for travellers.”

In return for a donation of up to $100,000, investors can expect to receive a number of free flights or “golden tickets” once brad becomes operational.

To date, about $2500 had been received towards a goal of $2.9m, which was considered enough to lease the first aircraft and get an Air Operators Certificate.

Mr Coombe said they were hopeful of commencing services in the next 12 to 14 months, insisting the bid was “very serious”.

“We are going to achieve this and this is a fantastic time to be launching a new airline in Australia,” he told The Australian.

In a video message to prospective donors, Mr Coombe said he had always wanted to start his own airline but first he needed to understand the system he planned to disrupt.

“After 40 years of doing ­business in the airline and aerospace industries, my team and I are ready to address the issues at the heart of the flyer’s experience,” he said. “(My airline) brad will be the answer to easy and ­affordable three-class travel in Australia.”

Any profits would be reinvested in the airline “to make it strong” and fares for those who contributed to the crowdfunding could be as low as $50 for east coast routes, and $100 for transcontinental flights.

The terms and conditions revealed that all contributions were non-refundable, and there was a risk that “golden tickets” issued in return for donations may not ever be able to be used.

“Like any early stage project there is a risk that brad may experience changes, delays, unforeseen challenges and it’s possible that brad may not come to fruition,” said the disclaimer.

Ms Lawrie confirmed her involvement in the bid but was unable to comment on Sunday.

The 68-year-old paved the way for female pilots in Australia after winning a landmark sex discrimination case against Ansett in the late-1970s to secure her place on the flight deck.

Mr Thomas, who is based in the US, said he had spoken to the director last year but denied any close association with the bid.

Mr Coombe’s venture has been registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under the business name The Airline Group.

The company proposed to operate a fleet of twin-engine, narrow-body jets configured with three classes, brad basic (economy), brad plus (premium economy) and brad class (business).

The cost of second-hand aircraft has fallen significantly during the pandemic.