I think part of the problem here is that Bonza seems to be assuming there will be no competition on these routes because they are so “thin”.
As soon as the Qantas group gets a sniff of any reasonable load or passengers being drawn away they will pounce on it with one of the many airline options and aircraft they now operate. An A220 would be much more viable on these routes at greater frequency, and frequency/convenience is often as much as a factor in airfares as price.
I don’t think you can discount VA either, they have such a strong product at the moment, even Rex are looking for opportunities.
Another interesting year ahead in Australian aviation.