Australia: Bonza gets the go-ahead to start operating scheduled flights

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the body responsible for regulating the country’s civil aviation industry, granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to startup Bonza Airline on Thursday.

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The company had submitted the application to begin the testing and document submission process last year. Following this stringent approval, which certifies its successful completion, it will be able to start offering scheduled commercial passenger air transport services.

The process included thorough evaluations of the technical documentation submitted by the new airline, as well as the completion of stipulated verifications and tests. The regulatory authorities examined the airline’s facilities, processes and staff training to ensure compliance with Australian aviation safety regulations.

Pip Spence, Director of Aviation Safety at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, highlighted the joint collaboration during the process and congratulated the company. «I would especially like to acknowledge Bonza’s willingness to work with us on this complex process», he said.

Bonza, a new player in the Australian airline market

In February 2022, Bonza announced that Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), located 90 kilometres from the centre of Brisbane and the main air terminal for the South West Queensland region, would become one of its first two hubs, along with Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (MEL).

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The first destinations available from Sunshine Coast will be Melbourne, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Whitsundays, Rockhampton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Albury, Tamworth, Avalon and Mildura.

Bonza took delivery of its first aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX-8 with manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 62533 and registration VH-UJT, last 1 August. Its main investor, Miami-based company 777 Partners, placed a total of four separate orders for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft during 2021. Initially, eight will be part of the Australian airline’s fleet.