Koala Airlines Discussion

[SeatBackForward]

Costs at the moment for a new startup would be eye watering.

Not if they call themselves Koala Ai r, then investors will throw money at them.

 

[Saab34]

I assume this is now dead, was starting later this year.

Website was updated often but as of October 2025 -nothing, looks like it’s been abandoned.

 

[CaptJCool]

koala ate too much eucalyptus and has fallen asleep on some high branch zzz

 

[PeteNJS]

From casual conversations, it appears they have done nothing to progress their AOC application since at least mid 2025.

 

[PA31]

All this talk reminds me of former wannabe paper-airlines that never got their wings since the mid 90s......

Well, only one of these got their wings, Pacific Transair had a 737-200 sitting at Sydney airport next to their mini-terminal for months before they ferried it to Melbourne, and then it left the country for the Philippines.

AAA Airlines
Challenge Airlines
Seaboard (Hibiscus Airlines)
Spirit Airlines
Trans Continental Airlines
Pacific Transair
Aussie Air (Brian Grey's final airline dream)
Elite First World
Oz Air
Indian Ocean Airlines
City Express
Capitol Airlines
Shuttle Airlines
Bud-jet (Budget car rental subsidiary)
RMA Gold Airways
Australia Air International
Australia World Air
Aust-jet International
Backpackers Xpress

 

[Saab34]

From casual conversations, it appears they have done nothing to progress their AOC application since at least mid 2025.

Without someone locking in a few hundred million of funding, it’s a going nowhere.

I think in the current environment any sane investor wouldn’t be parking cash in a start up airline in one of the highest cost environments in the world. Even if someone was that crazy they would probably wait another year until things settle a bit.

When applying for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, you must prove financial viability. CASA uses a formal assessment to ensure your organisation has the financial resources to safely conduct operations.

 

[Q Class Plebeian]

I think we can assume the Kokola to be in hibernation.However, while the KA seems asleep ZINC has been polishing its metal.Headed by a former Qantas loyalty exec its seeking off shore funding.Its plan is to fly out of the new western Sydney airport and run a low cost carrier to east coast capital; cities and the Gold Coast. FIN REview AMH/Age talk about ZINC looking for $10M to start up.​

Start polishing

 

[markis10]

FIN REview AMH/Age talk about ZINC looking for $10M to start up.​

That might just cover the cost of the AOC, Bonza blew $170M+ …..

 

[Saab34]

That’s the thing, they might come out with plans for $100-$200m worth of capital, but then what? That’s often when we enter administration. You need about half a billion. That’s a lot, then you start asking questions when the heck do we start making money. You will never see that cash back again.

 

[dajop]

Should start up the loyalty program (supported by Banks and others) with non QF/VA aligned carriers - such as DL, GA, EY, VN, CA, TK, use that cash to help fund the airline investment and then start flying in 3-4 years time.

Or raise the funds now, invest in the planes and people (but not the marketing) so spend the money now and go bankrupt in 12-18 months time.

No 2 seems to be the modus operandi and no reason if they follow the same approach they can’t end up with exactly the same level of success as those who’ve done this before. .

 

[Q Class Plebeian]

Should start up the loyalty program (supported by Banks and others) with non QF/VA aligned carriers - such as DL, GA, EY, VN, CA, TK, use that cash to help fund the airline investment and then start flying in 3-4 years time.

Or raise the funds now, invest in the planes and people (but not the marketing) so spend the money now and go bankrupt in 12-18 months time.

No 2 seems to be the modus operandi and no reason if they follow the same approach they can’t end up with exactly the same level of success as those who’ve done this before. .

Unlikely as it seems the C word (Competition ) may be rising into Australian skies. According to reports in the Age and SVH, the Commonwealth is to let another player into the market.Even the domestic airspace .The Age and SVH name Viet air ( a privately owned airline based in SE Asia ) as the top contender for the C word appearing on Melb-SYD-Bris flights.Unlike other want to be domestic airlines Viet air has the $$$$.

 

[Q Class Plebeian]

Unlikely as it seems the C word (Competition ) may be rising into Australian skies. According to reports in the Age and SVH, the Commonwealth is to let another player into the market.Even the domestic airspace .The Age and SVH name Viet air ( a privately owned airline based in SE Asia ) as the top contender for the C word appearing on Melb-SYD-Bris flights.Unlike other want to be domestic airlines Viet air has the $$$$.

Vietjet air is its proper business name