28 August, 2024

Koala Airlines unveils plans to be Australia’s next low cost carrier

Edited by Travel Weekly

A surprise new contender to take the reins of Australia’s low-cost aviation market has emerged this week in Koala Airlines which has previously operated air tours and charter services.

Unphased by the recent collapse of Bonza and Rex, management at Koala Airlines – which has operated for over 50 years – this week unveiled plans to commence Boeing 737 operations. It apparently already has an Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

UPDATED: REX staff stood down and payout delay likely, says administrator

The news comes as a surprise to the industry and aviation ‘geeks’ alike, the latter of which have joked online about the limited chances of success should Koala Airlines move ahead with 737 plans.

“Well this will keep the Liquidators in business,” Blackadder – an account on Australian Frequent Flyer Forum posted. “Bonza 2.0?” said ‘Elanshin’.

Koala Airlines.

According to its website, Koala Airlines acquired, air tours and charter flights company Desert Air Safaris Pty Ltd in 2019. It had been operating for over 50 years throughout Australia, PNG and the Pacific Islands.

“This acquisition brought together two passionate entities dedicated to enhancing travel experiences both domestically and internationally,” according to the website.

Desert Air Safaris was founded in 1970 by airline pilot Dick Lang and his wife, Helen. Together, they transformed the Australian outback and remote destinations into accessible havens for countless travellers, both Australian and international.

Desert Air was Australia’s oldest airline focused solely on developing the tourism industry. It was the first to introduce the concept of ‘packages’ to the market. It operated the iconic DC-3 aircraft, offering tourists a unique experience. Desert Air later expanded the fleet with the introduction of modern twin-engine aircraft.

Koala’s management team already at work

According to an Aerotime report, Koala Airlines has already appointed its management team which features a number of several industry professionals, including CEO Bill Astling.

Astling has an extensive history in the global aviation and tourism industry, with a rich history in aviation management, business development, operations strategy and customer service that has seen him manage projects for; Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air India and failed Australian carrier – Ansett Airlines.

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Koala Airlines