As 2022 concludes, aviation continues to make a strong recovery, with new airlines and routes being launched throughout the year. Looking toward 2023, we will look at some potential new airlines we will see.

Bonza

Australia is poised to enjoy a new low-cost airline by the middle of 2023, but this depends on the airline receiving its Air Operators Certificate from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Bonza is a startup airline that intends to operate a fleet of B737 MAX 8 aircraft across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. They plan to serve many destinations not already served by other airlines to enhance regional travel opportunities.

Bonza has already taken aircraft delivery in anticipation of gaining approval and has stated that they intend to operate up to eight aircraft in the first year. However, following some previously unsuccessful regional airlines in Australia, there are some doubts in the industry that Bonza can profitably operate the routes.

Liliair

Liliar is a new airline based at Klagenfurt Airport in Austria that will deploy CRJ900 aircraft to connect the airport with Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. Approvals to begin are anticipated to be issued in early 2023, and the booking system is expected to go live in January. The first flights are proposed to commence in April 2023. Twice-daily flights to Frankfurt will be offered, to begin with, followed by Hamburg and Munich later.

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Photo: MS_Digital/Shutterstock

Marabu Airlines

Marabu Airlines is a new airline based in Tallinn, Estonia, but it will operate flights from Hamburg and Munich. It is launching flights to leisure destinations across Europe and North Africa. Airports in Croatia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Egypt will be served using a fleet of wet-leased A320neos. Initially, Nordic Aviation Group will operate the aircraft on behalf of Marabu.

Nordic Aviation Group is an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance specialist, and they will use their Air Operators Certificate. The airline is owned by the investment company Attestor, the same owner as Condor. Eventually, the intention is that Marabu will operate all aircraft itself, using its own Air Operators Certificate.

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Photo: Dade72/Shutterstock

Nigeria Air

A new national carrier for Nigeria was first announced in 2018, but it is yet to begin flying. The airline has been embroiled in legal issues and is awaiting a decision from the Nigerian Federal High Court, expected in February 2023. The main problems are other Nigerian carriers opposing Nigeria Air on anti-competition grounds and resistance to partial ownership from foreign interests. An air operator's license has already been issued, but nothing will happen before the court date. The aim is to begin flights no later than May 29th, 2023, when the current Nigerian President leaves office, as reported previously by Simple Flying.

Toki Air

Toki Air has begun taking deliveries of its first aircraft before beginning operations in 2023, basing itself at Niigata Airport, around 190 miles (300 kilometers) from Tokyo. The airline aims to improve connectivity between Niigata and surrounding regions. Destinations include Kobe, Chubu, and Sapporo, using two ATR 72-600's.

Toki Air and ATR have been working together to develop the most suitable routes for the aircraft that will complement the airline's business model. Toki Air also intends to connect Niigata Airport with Sado Airport on Sado Island. The airport has a short runway, and the airline is examining the possibility of using the aircraft's Short Take-off and Landing version, the ATR72-600S, which is under development.

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Photo: ATR

Invivo Air

One of the more unusual airlines starting in 2023 is Invivo Air. Invivo Air is the world's first winery airline and will begin operating in January 2023. The New Zealand-based wine producer, Invivo Wines, is launching a subsidiary airline and will offer an all-inclusive flight with wine tasting onboard and an overnight stay. The first flight will depart from Auckland and arrive in Queenstown two hours later. The all-inclusive experiences include the flight, onboard wine tasting, and accommodation at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. The airline will use a chartered Saab 340A, fully booked for the first flight.

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Photo: Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock

These are just some of the new airlines we may see in 2023, some of which were included in our analysis of startup airlines to watch out for in 2023. Please let us know which airlines you look forward to seeing in 2023 in the comments below.