Zinc Aviation, the proposed airline backed by former Qantas executive Peter Kelly, is seeking about $140 million to launch an ultra-low-cost carrier in Australia. The startup is being shaped around Ryanair’s operating model, with a focus on high aircraft utilization, simplified operations and a single-fleet strategy centered on the Airbus A321neo.
Kelly, who previously worked at Qantas and helped establish Jetstar, is targeting the country’s domestic market from Western Sydney International Airport. Early route plans include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, with the airline also considering expansion to the Gold Coast. According to reports, the carrier intends to keep aircraft in the air for at least 12 hours a day to lower unit costs and improve efficiency.
Zinc is still in the funding and planning stage and has not yet secured certification from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The company is seeking a mix of equity and debt financing to cover aircraft deposits and early operating costs.