A New Challenger Takes Flight
Koala Airlines, a proudly Melbourne-based carrier that is set to launch in late 2026. Giving Australians a fresh alternative to Qantas and Virgin. But don’t expect big press conferences or flashy advertising just yet, Koala is flying under the radar on purpose.
“We’re Not Trying to Be Qantas or Virgin”
Led by aviation veteran Bill Astling, Koala Airlines promises to “fundamentally differ” from its rivals.
“We’re not trying to be Qantas or Virgin – our model is fundamentally different, and that’s why we’ve attracted the backing we have,” Astling told The Australian Financial Review.
While details on routes and fleet remain under wraps, and no aircraft are publicly confirmed, Astling insists it’s all systems go.
“We’ve deliberately kept a low profile – not because we’re stalling, but because we’re building something with a long-term, sustainable foundation.”
Lessons Learned from the Past
Many will compare Koala to Bonza, the budget airline that folded in 2024. But Astling says they’ve learned from past failures.
“We’re on track to start operations late next year, but we’re not in the business of giving our competitors a 12-month head start.”
Koala plans to fill niche routes ignored by major carriers but won’t reveal too much, too soon.
“We are just not prepared to give away what our strategy is… We’ve got a lot of support. We’ve also got a lot of sceptics.”
Quiet Confidence, Big Ambitions
With bold vision, a measured rollout, and strong (unnamed) backers, Koala Airlines may just redefine how we fly across Australia, one smart step at a time.
