The. Hon. Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Media Release, 12 January 2023

The Australian Government welcomes the entry of a new airline into the Australian market, with Bonza today being granted its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) following a rigorous assessment process.

This is a significant milestone for Australian aviation, marking the first new high-capacity entrant into the Australian market since the launch of Tiger Airways over 15 years ago.

With an initial base on the Sunshine Coast, Bonza will focus on regional routes that are currently underserviced.

AOCs are required by all airlines that fly scheduled passenger services in Australia. These certificates are issued following a thorough examination of an airline’s facilities, processes, appropriately trained personnel, and capacity to operate safely.

This ensures everyone boarding a plane in Australia can have confidence that they are travelling safely.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is a welcome milestone for Bonza and for Australian aviation as the sector continues its recovery from the Covid pandemic.

“The entry of a new operator will boost competition in the Australian aviation sector, offering more choice to the travelling public, and putting downward pressure on fares.

“Australia has one of the safest aviation sectors in the world. I commend the staff at CASA and Bonza who have worked hard over many months to progress this certification and to ensure that Bonza meets the high safety standards required of all airlines operating in Australia.”