Yes, I did check the calendar before going ahead…

Koala Airlines – new Australian low-cost carrier plans to launch flights in 2026. It’s promising to bring an innovative approach to low-cost flying there. It’s well-known as an exceedingly difficult market down under.

As we know, Australian commercial aviation is dominated by Qantas, holding a 60% market share with its subsidiary Jetstar. Virgin Australia 35% market share, with other carriers making up the remainder.

So, why is Kaola so different? Firstly, it promises to shake up the Australian airline industry. Based in Melbourne, the airline states it will focus more heavily on service and customer experience. Whilst details are scarce at present, it seems to be a similar approach to JetBlue or Southwest. A change in regulation in 1990, meant that more than 2 airlines can fly between state capitals and major cities. However, it has remained challenging for startup airlines.

Although there’s no firm detail, marketing images suggest that Koala may have already secured B737MAX8 aircraft, either from a leasing company or direct from Boeing. There is also focus on Koala Tech, the division promising to use AI to streamline all aspects of its operations.

What’s their history? It acquired Desert Air Safaris in 2019. This airline founded in 1970, to connect the Outback remote communities. Later consolidating operations in Adelaide and focusing on tourism. In addition to obtaining Desert Air Safaris’ AOC, marketing material suggests that Koala may continue to focus on flying to underserved communities. Koala’s CEO Bill Astling founded the airline in 2018. He’s worked in the airline industry for 45 years. Mostly in the Asia Pacific region at SIA, Air India, Sri Lankan, MAS and Vietnam Airlines.

Details are scarce about the airline, intentionally. It’s promising that innovative practices will distinguish it from past failed low-cost start-ups, most notably Bonza Airlines.

Koala has not disclosed its investors or how much funding it has received. Comparisons have also been made with Breeze in USA. However, it should be noted that whilst Australia is a large nation, its population is far less. As a result, operating costs are high, with demand low in much of Australia. Most remote areas currently served by commuter airlines, whilst lucrative city pairs are dominated by Qantas and Virgin Australia. Koala could struggle to fill its aircraft on underserved routes, whilst breaking into existing markets will be extremely difficult.

In other news –

Vuelling – after many years operating Airbus, the airline is switching to B737MAX8. Parent company IAG recently announced an order for 25. Some aviation enthusiasts have questioned why the change, asking whether Boeing will fund the re-training of pilots as part of the deal.

Condor – after the collapse of its contract with Lufthansa, some sceptics wondered if the German leisure carrier could survive. In the past few days, it announced 2026 Summer schedule, focusing on popular holiday destinations and long-haul routes. BKK will be served daily year-round. LAS 5xweekly, PTY 3xweekly. All will be operated by A330neo. For short-haul BCN, BUD and VCE will operate daily. Routes launched in 2025 will continue namely BER, HAM, MUC, MXP, FCO, CDG, PRG, VIE and ZRH. So, plenty of opportunity to see the airline’s distinctive livery!

ANA – the Japanese carrier has started to phase out its Star Wars livery. Let’s hope you’ve got them all in your logs…

IndiGo – will serve LHR from October 2025. No announcement yet whether DEL or BOM. It’s assumed that the 787 will be supplied by Norse.

And finally –

Global Airlines – with their only A380 now in storage at Tarbes, there’s no news of any customers for their ACMI operation.

Information courtesy of Simple Flying, Condor Newsroom

Images courtesy of koalaairlines.com.au, USA Today

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers