KOALA Airlines has secured leases for three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft slated to be delivered next year, according to a report from Australian Aviation.
While the touted challenger to Qantas and Virgin Australia has been cryptic with its launch plans, CEO Bill Astling told the aviation masthead that Koala Airlines is eyeing off 20 aircraft within the first few years of operation.
The start-up’s chief added the first batch of planes are likely to be ready around Jul or Aug next year, with the formal launch date for the carrier still subject to firmer delivery timelines.
“We’ve got the first three, and then we’ve obviously got to get the next batch, and the next batch after that, which we’re working on at the moment, so it’s a progressive thing,” Astling said.
“Starting this operation is not easy, particularly when you look at the global problem with supply of aircraft, and you’re up against people like Ryanair who are screaming for aeroplanes.
“We have been fortunate to get these first three, and we’re working on additional aircraft at the moment,” he added.
Koala has also confirmed it has a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), which was sighted by Australian Aviation, putting to bed speculation by some observers that the carrier was not serious about its launch plans.
TD was told by CASA in Aug last hear that it was yet to receive an application from Koala Airlines to conduct operations, so the AOC process must have been actioned after that date. AB
