Australian low-cost point-to-point domestic carrier Bonza has stopped operating.
The airline began operating in January 2023, promising to reduce domestic fares, while simultaneously paying tribute to matey Aussie culture.
Tickets were sold via its app and via registered travel agents with fares from AUD75 (R920) on routes between 17 domestic airports. The carrier excluded Sydney from its plans.
Bonza flight attendants wore white custom sneakers and cotton T-shirts, and were allowed to mix and match their uniforms to their own taste. “We won't dictate what lipstick to wear, or whether you have to wear lipstick at all. We won’t ask crew to cover up their tattoos and just because you're female, that doesn't mean you have to wear a skirt. If you're non-binary, pregnant, work in the office or on board, we have options for you,” said Carly Povey, CCO of Bonza at its launch.
Bonza had a different approach on every front. Passengers were able to purchase T-shirts and bikinis with the airline’s logo. Aussie foods like banana bread waffles and beer could be ordered before the flight via the app and delivered to the passenger’s seat. Aircraft were named ‘Shazza’ and ‘Bazza’.
Last Tuesday flights ceased and reportedly thousands of passengers were stranded around Australia. The airline was placed in administration some hours later. The airline’s problems appear to have been related to unpaid leases on aircraft.
More than 300 employees are now jobless.
Fans of the airline loved its focus on flights between regional centres in eastern Australia but, according to industry-watchers, it was due to the airline’s use of B737-Max aircraft (faster and more modern and luxurious, but with higher running costs, rather than slower turbo-props, with fewer passengers, but less costly to run) on these regional routes that ultimately led to its demise.
