Hannah Dowling

Speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit on Wednesday, Hrdlicka also said Virgin won’t look to grow too much larger than its pre-COVID market share, despite the demise of budget carrier Tiger.

In light of the approval, the Melbourne-based firm will begin operations this month at its hub at the Goondiwindi Aerodrome on the Queensland/NSW border.

After announcing initially that the new budget carrier will launch with a fleet of just two or three 737 MAX 8 jets, Bonza is already preparing to increase that number to a total of eight aircraft by the end of its first year in operation.

Speaking exclusively with Australian Aviation, Jordan said despite this assertion, he doesn’t expect to see a “significant response” from other airlines once Bonza announces its initial route network.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce has said his airline is prepared to “defend our turf” and go to “war” against new market entrant Bonza.

From 1am on Monday, fully vaccinated travellers from interstate hotspots, including NSW and Victoria, can travel into Queensland by air or road without entering hotel or home quarantine, however, must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel.