Bonza will have a fleet of eight 787-Max 8 by the end of the year. Source: Bonza.
Bonza will be Australia’s new domestic airline that specializes in underutilized routes and destinations around the country.
Founded by former Virgin Blue administrator Tim Jordan, the independent airline will start operations most likely sometime in September, flying to destinations within Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
It will not, however, fly to Sydney Airport due to costly fees and landing slots but nevertheless Mr Jordan believes Aussies will love the budget-friendly option.
“This is an exciting time for Australian aviation and most importantly, the Aussie travelling public who will now enjoy more choice.”
The budget airline just saw the delivery of its first plane, a Boeing 737-MAX 8 which touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport on August 8.
The Maroochydore based airport will also serve as the headquarters for Bonza which will aim to cost half the price of full-service airlines.
Bonza had asked their social media followers to come up with a nickname for the first of many planes within their fleet and voters did not disappoint.
“Shazza was a clear favourite amongst the Bonza Local Legends, who are the eyes and ears of Bonza in the communities where we’ll fly to,” said Chief Commercial Office Carly Povey.
“I can also reveal that the close runner-up was Bazza.”
17 destinations will be serviced by Bonza and include Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Rockhampton, Whitsunday Coast, Mildura, and Melbourne among others.
In a unique take on booking, passengers wanting to travel on Bonza will only be able to purchase their ticket via an exclusive app and cannot buy them through a third-party.
Eight Boeing 737-Max 8 will be operating 27 routes and can hold up to 186 passengers within its single-class cabin.
The 737-Max 8 was recently cleared by the American Federal Aviation Administration after changes were made to the plane following two crashes in 2019 and 2020 that saw 346 people killed.
The airline is funded by Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners.
