Here’s a link to the CASA fees page.
https://www.casa.gov.au/about-us/rep...dards-and-fees
The charges aren’t too bad for the expertise involved, and seem like a bargain when compared to what the lawyers and accountants would be invoicing.
A new start up airline also needs to employ its own “set up” team for the required post holder positions such as Chief Pilot and Head of Training etc. Preferably people with experience in starting an operation from scratch, and they don’t come cheap either.
With the amount of money he’s raised he might be able to get into a lawn mowing franchise if he took on a lot of finance.