A new low cost domestic airline is set to launch in Australia early next year.

Pending approval from regulatory authorities, Bonza, Australia’s first independent ultra-low-cost airline, will launch into service with the new Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

Bonza said its aim was to provide more travel choices to destinations not covered by the country’s other airlines.

Bonza’s founder and CEO Tim Jordan said: “Bonza’s mission is to encourage more travel by providing more choices and ultra-low fares, particularly into leisure designations where travel is now often limited to connections via major cities.

“Bonza will deliver enormous benefits to all Australians, but particularly to regional communities by providing new routes and greater travel opportunities.

“Bonza will also play a leading role in Australia’s post-pandemic economic recovery – creating jobs, stimulating travel and consumer spending and helping regional communities, especially those that rely on tourism, get back on their feet.”

Bonza is backed by US private investment firm 777 Partners, whose investments include Canada’s only independent low fare airline, Flair Airlines, and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance.

777 Partners’ managing partner Josh Wander said: “There is huge opportunity to both do good and do well by democratising air travel through lower costs.

“We want to increase consumer choice and make travel more affordable and more accessible for Australians.”