Bonza gets the green light to start commercial flights
Queensland’s newest airline, Bonza, has finally won regulatory approval to start commercial flights.
Bonza has slashed its services after only six months (photo: suplied)
The company, based on the Sunshine Coast, said it had achieved its Air Operator Certificate from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
“We’re now preparing to go on sale for the first time with our Sunshine Coast base,” it said.
The airline is offering cheap flights to major regional centres and bookings can only be done over its app. No date has been revealed on when flights would start.
Bonza has previously promised flights starting at $50.
“With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be an even bigger year for domestic tourism. We can’t wait to connect communities and in turn, stimulate new markets for Australia’s domestic tourism industry,” the company announced.
“As we get ready to go on sale via the Fly Bonza app, we’d like to thank our team of legends who have worked tirelessly to achieve regulatory approval. We’re proud of their professionalism and expertise whilst working closely with CASA who do incredibly important work regulating Australian aviation.
CASA director of aviation safety and chief executive Pip Spence said Bonza went through a rigorous assessment and validation process to ensure it could operate safely.
“This is a significant milestone and we congratulate Bonza on achieving its air operator’s certificate,’ Spence said.
“The CASA and Bonza teams worked collaboratively throughout the application to ensure the airline’s operations met Australia’s high aviation safety standards.
“I would especially like to acknowledge Bonza’s willingness to work with us on this complex process.’
Spence said the AOC process was designed to ensure that everyone boarding an aircraft in Australia could do so with confidence and the knowledge they were travelling safely.
“All commercial operators in Australia have to go through this process, which considers how the operator will meet the required safety standards,’ she said.
“Our assessment includes a thorough examination of technical documentation as well as verification and testing.
“The process examines whether the airline has the facilities, processes and appropriately trained personnel to comply with their operations manual.
