{{Short description|Low-cost airline of Australia (2021–2024)}} {{About|the Australian low-cost airline|the town in Burkina Faso|Bonza, Banwa Province|the video game|Bonza (video game)|other uses|Bonzer (disambiguation){{!}}Bonzer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}} {{Infobox airline | airline = Bonza | logo = Bonza (airline) logo.svg | logo_size = 150px | IATA = AB | ICAO = BNZ | callsign = BONZA | founded = {{start date|2021|10||df=yes}} | commenced = {{start date|2023|01|31|df=yes}} | ceased = {{end date|2024|04|29|df=yes}} | bases = {{ubl|class=nowrap | Gold Coast | Melbourne | Sunshine Coast}} | fleet_size = 4 | destinations = 21 | parent = 777 Partners | headquarters = Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia | key_people = Tim Jordan (Founder & CEO) | website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20240305013852/www.flybonza.com|www.flybonza.com (archived)}} }}
'''Bonza Aviation Pty Ltd''', operating as '''Bonza''', was a short-lived Australian low-cost airline, headquartered on the Sunshine Coast. Founded in October 2021, Bonza commenced operations on 31 January 2023. The airline entered voluntary administration on 30 April 2024 suspending all services, after several aircraft were repossessed. It was placed in liquidation on 2 July 2024 after laying off its workforce and failing to find a buyer.
==History== ===Background=== Bonza was founded in October 2021 by former Virgin Blue executive Tim Jordan.<ref name=AFR111021>{{cite news|last=Baird|first=Lucas|date=12 October 2021|title=New airline Bonza to launch in early 2022|url=https://www.afr.com/companies/tourism/new-airline-bonza-to-launch-in-early-2022-20211011-p58ywl |url-access=subscription |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430124756/https://www.afr.com/companies/tourism/new-airline-bonza-to-launch-in-early-2022-20211011-p58ywl |url-status=live |access-date=12 October 2021|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref><ref name=Druce>{{Cite news|last=Druce|first=Alex|date=12 October 2021|title=New low-cost airline 'Bonza' preparing for takeoff in early 2022|via=News.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/new-lowcost-airline-bonza-preparing-for-takeoff-in-early-2022/news-story/a887feafa54a833a8c3f8330901aaedb|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240430125339/https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/new-lowcost-airline-bonza-preparing-for-takeoff-in-early-2022/news-story/a887feafa54a833a8c3f8330901aaedb |url-status=live|work=NCA NewsWire}}</ref> U.S. investment firm 777 Partners were the inaugural investors and backers.<ref name="AFR111021" />
The airline signalled its intention to disassociate from the main cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,<ref name="AFR111021" /> instead setting up its headquarters at Sunshine Coast Airport<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/new-airline-bonza-targets-half-price-fares-on-25-routes-20220214-p59w9v.html |title=New airline Bonza targets half-price fares on 25 routes |archive-date=30 April 2024 |first=Patrick |last=Hatch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430120503/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/new-airline-bonza-targets-half-price-fares-on-25-routes-20220214-p59w9v.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=15 February 2022}}</ref> with the aim of growing the market by focusing on under-utilised and unserved routes between regional and domestic cities through a point-to-point network model, similar to that of Ryanair in Europe.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crellin |first1=Zac |title=Budget airline Bonza is set to bring the 'Ryanair model' to Australia |url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/travel/2021/10/12/bonza-budget-airline-ryanair/ |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430130116/https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/travel/2021/10/12/bonza-budget-airline-ryanair |url-status=live |access-date=8 November 2021 |work=The New Daily |date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>Budget boom on the horizon? ''Airliner World'' December 2021 page 14</ref> As a low-cost carrier, Bonza launched without a frequent-flyer program or airport lounges<ref name="AFR111021" /> and limited bookings solely to its FlyBonza app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PDF.js viewer |url=https://bonza-open-letter.tiiny.site/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925204218/https://bonza-open-letter.tiiny.site/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 September 2022 |access-date=2023-01-16 |website=bonza-open-letter.tiiny.site}}</ref> To differentiate themselves from other airlines, Bonza launched as a one hundred percent domestic airline, appealing to the Australian culture by offering Aussie items and services such as airline branded swim briefs known as {{wikt-lang|en|budgie smugglers}}, food typically found at a school tuckshop, and the staff being labelled as "Legends".<ref>{{Cite news |first=Elias |last=Visontay |date=2023-02-01 |title=Purple budgie smugglers and Chekhov on tap as Bonza the 'bogan airline' finally takes to the skies |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/01/purple-budgie-smugglers-and-chekhov-on-tap-as-bonza-the-bogan-airline-finally-takes-to-the-skies |access-date=2023-08-11 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430125812/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/01/purple-budgie-smugglers-and-chekhov-on-tap-as-bonza-the-bogan-airline-finally-takes-to-the-skies |url-status=live}}</ref>
===First base and launch=== [[File:Bonza Airlines (VH-UKH) Boeing 737 MAX 8 parked at Sunshine Coast Airport.jpg|thumb|Bonza Boeing 737 MAX 8 parked at Sunshine Coast Airport]] Bonza initially revealed its intention to begin flying by early 2022.<ref name="AFR111021" /><ref name="Druce" /> However, its first routes were only announced in February 2022,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kyriakopoulos |first=Victoria |date=2022-02-14 |title=Bonza Airline routes: where will Australia's new airline fly? |url=https://www.pointhacks.com.au/news/bonza-airlines-routes/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Point Hacks |language=en}}</ref> and the airline did not receive its air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority until 12 January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking: Bonza set to launch after gaining clearance from CASA |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/01/breaking-bonza-set-to-launch-after-gaining-casa-clearance-to-fly/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Australian Aviation|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-12 |title=Budget Australian airline Bonza certified to fly amid push to reduce cost of domestic travel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/12/budget-australian-airline-bonza-certified-to-fly-amid-push-to-reduce-cost-of-domestic-travel |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
Sales for routes from the Sunshine Coast base began on 27 January 2023 after Bonza had received its AOC. There were eleven initial destinations: {{Columns-list|colwidth=30em| * Albury * Melbourne (Avalon) * Cairns * Coffs Harbour * Mackay * Mildura * Newcastle * Port Macquarie * Rockhampton * Townsville * Whitsunday Coast}}
[[File:Bonza plane Avalon 2.jpg|thumb|right|A Bonza Boeing 737 MAX 8 landing at Avalon Airport after a test flight in December 2022.]]
The airline's initial route map also consisted of several other routes:
* Cairns – Rockhampton * Cairns – Mackay * Newcastle – Whitsunday Coast * Rockhampton – Townsville.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Bonza on sale! |url=https://flybonza.com/media/bonza-on-sale/ |website=Bonza}}</ref>
Bonza commenced operations on 31 January 2023, flying from its base at Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays.<ref>{{Cite news |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/pfL2z |archive-date=30 April 2024 |url-status=live |title=Budget airlines Bonza launches first flight |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/bonza-airlines-launch-first-flight-from-today/2659d45a-6c20-47db-9633-4710bfe8995d |first=Richard |last=Wood |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Nine News|date=31 January 2023 }}</ref> They initiated services with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft<ref name=AA150222/> in an all-economy configuration,<ref>{{cite news|title=New Australian budget airline Bonza hopes to start flying next year|url=https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/australian-budget-airline-bonza-hopes-213052017.html|date=12 October 2021|access-date=12 October 2021|via=yahoo!finance|language=en-AU |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/WO5tQ |url-status=live |first=Jamie |location=Sydney |editor-last=Ramakrishnan |editor-first=M. |last=Freed |agency=Reuters}}</ref> becoming the first Australian airline to operate the Boeing 737 MAX.<ref>{{cite web|last=Huston|first=John|date=11 October 2021|title=Bonza soon to Fly high Down Under|url=https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/bonza-fly-high-down-under/|access-date=12 October 2021|website=Airways Magazine|language=en-US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011170626/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/bonza-fly-high-down-under/|archive-date=11 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Flair Airlines|url=https://www.777part.com/portfolio/flair-airlines/|access-date=12 October 2021|website=777 Partners|language=en-US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016080431/https://www.777part.com/portfolio/flair-airlines/|archive-date=16 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.traveller.com.au/bonza-airlines-first-plane-touches-down-boeing-737-max-arrives-in-australia-h25fjx |first=Craig |last=Platt |title=Bonza airline's first plane touches down: Boeing 737 MAX arrives in Australia |website=Traveller.com.au |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430130320/https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/bonza-airlines-first-plane-touches-down-boeing-737-max-arrives-in-australia-20220801-h25fjx.html |url-status=live |date=2022-08-02 |access-date=2022-08-14}}</ref>
=== Second base === When announcing its initial network in February 2022, the airline also announced a second base in Melbourne.<ref name=":0" />
Tickets for flights to/from the Melbourne base were put on sale on 23 February 2023, with flights to: {{Columns-list|colwidth=30em| * Bundaberg * Gladstone * Mackay * Mildura * Port Macquarie * Rockhampton * Sunshine Coast * Tamworth * Toowoomba}}
Additionally, the airline also launched sales for several other routes:
* Toowoomba – Townsville * Toowoomba – Whitsunday Coast * Sunshine Coast – Tamworth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2023 |title=Bonza puts its Melbourne base on sale in time for Easter |url=https://flybonza.com/media/bonza-melbourne-base-on-sale/ |website=Bonza}}</ref>
Flights from the Melbourne base commenced on 30 March 2023 with the inaugural flight to the Sunshine Coast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=James |date=2023-03-30 |title=Bonza kicks off from its Melbourne base |url=https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/bonza-kicks-off-from-its-melbourne-base/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en-AU}}</ref>
=== Reliability issues and network changes === ''Travel Weekly'' reported in late June that Bonza was attributing a recent increase in flight cancellations to an industry-wide pilot shortage. The airline had cancelled 4% of its flights since February, and had cancelled seven flights that were scheduled to operate in July. The airline's chief operating officer Carly Povey cited crew shortages, a pilot training program that was behind schedule, and aircraft that were temporarily put out of action due to bird strikes and weather events as some of the other causes of the reliability issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-06-30 |title=Looking for new pilots: Bonza blames cancellations on industrywide shortage |url=https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/looking-for-new-pilots-bonza-blames-cancellations-on-industrywide-shortage/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en-AU}}</ref>
On 13 July 2023, Bonza announced it would scrap five routes:
* Sunshine Coast – Port Macquarie * Sunshine Coast – Tamworth * Sunshine Coast – Coffs Harbour * Toowoomba – Whitsunday Coast * Cairns – Mackay.
Whilst the ABC reported Povey stating that the changes were due to a lack of demand,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Jessica |last2=Dye |first2=Josh |date=13 July 2023 |title=New Australian airline Bonza scraps five routes, reduces regional flights due to low demand |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-13/sunshine-coast-bonza-slights-scrapped/102596110 |access-date=29 July 2023}}</ref> an open letter published on Bonza's website from Povey addressed to the airline's passengers noted that the airline had faced reliability issues and was delaying or cancelling flights, and that changes would allow the airline to focus on routes with "sustainable demand" and also provide spare capacity to mitigate delays and cancellations in case of reliability issues in the future. Apart from the cancelled routes, Bonza also announced frequency reductions by one weekly flight for several routes, and the addition of one weekly service to three routes: Sunshine Coast – Albury, Sunshine Coast – Melbourne (Avalon) and Melbourne (Tullamarine) – Port Macquarie.
The open letter also announced that sales for flights between late October 2023 and April 2024 would commence soon, and that work to establish a third base was progressing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2023 |title=An open letter to Bonza Customers |url=https://flybonza.com/media/an-open-letter-to-bonza-customers/ |website=Bonza}}</ref>
=== Third base === On 1 August 2023, Bonza announced it would open its third base at Gold Coast Airport to coincide with the beginning of the summer holidays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinclair |first1=Amy |date=1 August 2023 |title=Bonza confirms new Gold Coast routes, flights starting at $49 |work=Seven News|url=https://7news.com.au/sunrise/bonza-confirms-new-gold-coast-routes-flights-starting-at-49-c-11449755 |access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref> Flights would commence from the new base progressively starting in November, with routes from the Gold Coast to eleven destinations on the airline's existing route network: {{Columns-list|colwidth=30em| * Albury * Bundaberg * Cairns * Gladstone * Mackay * Melbourne (Avalon) * Melbourne (Tullamarine) * Mildura * Rockhampton * Townsville * Whitsunday Coast}}
The airline's media release also mentioned that due to global aircraft supply challenges, it would partner with a wet leasing provider to source the additional aircraft required to operate routes from the base.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 August 2023 |title=Bonza reveals its third base as Gold Coast Airport |url=https://flybonza.com/media/bonza-reveals-its-third-base-as-gold-coast-airport/ |website=Bonza}}</ref> thumb|C-FLHI parked at Sunshine Coast Airport, wearing both Bonza and Flair titles. A few days later, Travel Bulletin reported that a reciprocal wet lease agreement had been entered into with Flair Airlines, which is also backed by 777 Partners and operates a fleet consisting entirely of the Boeing 737. Under the agreement, Bonza would send aircraft and crew to Canada to operate on Flair Airlines routes during the North American peak travel season, and Flair Airlines would do the same with their aircraft and crew for Bonza during the Australian peak travel season, hence providing additional capacity for both airlines during peak travel periods. Flair Airlines stated that it would wet lease two aircraft to Bonza for its Gold Coast base.<ref>{{Cite web | date=2023-08-07 |title=Bonza to wet lease two Boeing 737s from partner Flair |url=https://travelbulletin.com.au/newsroom/bonza-to-wet-lease-two-boeing-737s-from-partner-flair/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Travel Bulletin |language=en}}</ref>
On 24 August 2023, Bonza announced an additional route from the Gold Coast to Launceston, and hinted at additional routes from Launceston to be announced in the future. The route announcement marks the airline's entry into Tasmania, the fourth state to be serviced by the airline. Flights on the Gold Coast – Launceston route would start in November, around the same time as flights on the previously announced 11 routes would commence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 August 2023 |title=Bonza adds Tassie to its route map |url=https://flybonza.com/media/bonza-adds-tassie-to-route-map/ |website=Bonza}}</ref>
On 18 September 2023, a twice-weekly Gold Coast to Mount Isa route was announced, which would commence on 5 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jake |date=18 September 2023 |title=Bonza heads to the outback with new Mount Isa route |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/09/bonza-heads-to-the-outback-with-new-mount-isa-route/ |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Australian Aviation |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Two days later, the airline announced and launched sales for three new twice-weekly routes: Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs. The launch of the routes will mark the airline's entry into the Northern Territory, its fifth Australian state or territory, which were the result of Northern Territory Government subsidies provided through its Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, and the 20th and 21st destinations on its network.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petersen |first=Sharon |date=2023-09-20 |title=New Routes to Darwin and Alice with Bonza |url=https://www.airlineratings.com/news/new-routes-to-darwin-and-alice-with-bonza/ |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Airline Ratings |language=en-AU}}</ref> On 30 November 2023, the airline cancelled all planned flights between Darwin and the Gold Coast during December, only hours before the first scheduled flight on the route.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Houlbrook-Walk |first1=Myles |title=Bonza cancels Darwin-Gold Coast flights for all of December, leaving customers fuming |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-01/bonza-cancels-darwin-to-gold-coast-flights-for-december/103171618|website=ABC News |access-date=1 December 2023 |date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
The airline aimed to expand its operations to Shellharbour Airport, serving the Wollongong region, following planned upgrades to the airport facilities. But the route never went ahead.
In late September, Bonza announced and launched Bonza Holidays, a package holiday booking scheme that bundles accommodation with flights and optional travel insurance.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-09-26 |title=Bonza spreads its wings with newly launched tailored holiday packages |url=https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/bonza-spreads-its-wings-with-newly-launched-tailored-holiday-packages/ |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en-AU}}</ref>
===Suspension of operations=== On the morning of 30 April 2024, Bonza passengers arrived to the airport to find all Bonza flights had been cancelled.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Jacques |first1=Owem |last2=Sheehan |first2=Amy |date=2024-04-30 |title=Bonza budget airline in administration as flights across the country cancelled |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-30/bonza-flights-cancelled-business-viability-question/103783236 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430114339/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-30/bonza-flights-cancelled-business-viability-question/103783236 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |work=ABC Sunshine Coast |via=ABC News}}</ref> It was subsequently revealed that at 11:51 pm AEST (UTC+10) on 29 April 2024, the leasers of Bonza's aircraft had issued notices terminating the leases for the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bonza only told of 737 repossessions at 11:50pm on Monday |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/bonza-only-told-of-737-repossessions-at-1150pm-on-monday/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Australian Aviation |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Hall Chadwick Voluntary Administrators Update 3 May 2024 |url=https://www.flybonza.com/media/voluntary-administrators-update-3may2024 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=www.flybonza.com}}</ref> Later that same morning, Bonza's chief executive Tim Jordan confirmed the airline had temporarily suspended services amid discussions regarding the ongoing viability of the business.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Bonza grounds whole fleet pending discussions on voluntary administration |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/bonza-multiple-flights-operated-by-budget-airline-cancelled-across-major-airports/78a29ac9-a8af-4000-be67-f2bf5d7bb6c1 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref> On the afternoon of 30 April 2024, documents were filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission declaring Bonza had entered voluntary administration and would be externally administered by accounting firm Hall Chadwick.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ironside |first=Robyn |date=2024-04-30 |title=Bonza goes into voluntary administration after fleet repossessed |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/mass-flight-cancellations-leave-bonza-customers-hanging/news-story/e48181294fa4a75df6ec86c02d944bda |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-04-30 |newspaper=The Australian}}</ref> The administrator announced that all Bonza flights would be temporarily cancelled until 2 May 2024. However, this temporary cancellation of flights was extended numerous times first to 7 May 2024, then 14 May 2024 and finally to 29 May 2024 with flights ultimately never resuming.<ref name=":3" /> Between 9 May and 5 June 2024, all of Bonza's aircraft were gradually removed from Australia and flown overseas by their lessors.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-09 |title=Bonza's aircraft leave the country after fleet repossessed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/bonza-aircraft-leave-australia-after-fleet-repossessed/103824084 |access-date=2024-06-02 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>
In response to Bonza's administration, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia announced that Bonza customers scheduled to travel on 30 April 2024, or stranded away from home due to the airline's operational suspension would be offered complimentary flights, subject to seat availability.<ref>{{Cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430112539/https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/statement-on-support-for-bonza-customers/ |archive-date=30 April 2024 |url-status=live |location=Sydney |date=2024-04-30 |title=Statement on support for Bonza Customers |url=https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/statement-on-support-for-bonza-customers/ |website=Qantas}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |date=2024-04-30 |title=Statement on support for Bonza customers |url=https://newsroom.jetstar.com/statement-on-support-for-bonza-customers/ |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430113230/https://newsroom.jetstar.com/statement-on-support-for-bonza-customers/ |url-status=live |website=Jetstar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnsley |first=Warren |date=2024-04-30 |title=Virgin Australia, Qantas offer free flights for Bonza customers stranded by mass flight cancellations |url=https://7news.com.au/news/virgin-australias-free-flight-offer-for-bonza-customers-stranded-by-mass-flight-cancellations-c-14491381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240430113714/https://7news.com.au/news/virgin-australias-free-flight-offer-for-bonza-customers-stranded-by-mass-flight-cancellations-c-14491381 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Seven News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hall Chadwick Voluntary Administrators Update 14 May 2024 |url=https://www.flybonza.com/media/voluntary-administrators-update-14may2024 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.flybonza.com}}</ref> thumb|VH-UJK (''Sheila'') at Gold Coast Airport in May 2024 On 7 May 2024 during a Federal Court of Australia hearing in Sydney, it was revealed that creditors included 57,933 customers with forward bookings, 323 employees, and 120 trade creditors. Furthermore, negotiations since the grounding between Bonza and the lessors of the aircraft were revealed to have failed, leaving the company unable to use its aircraft.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2024-05-07 |title=Federal court hears Bonza creditors' meeting 'would need a stadium' with 60,000 affected customers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-07/federal-court-bonza-owes-money-60000-customers-staff-suppliers/103813200 |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> At Bonza Airline's creditors meeting held in Sydney on 10 May 2024, administrators disclosed that the airline had outstanding debts exceeding A$116 million to various stakeholders. This included $77M in loans, $4.6M in unpaid aircraft leases, $10.5M in outstanding airport fees, $16M owed to trade suppliers and $5.3M to staff.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-10 |title=Bonza in talks with six buyers despite owing $100m and losing planes |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-administrators-talking-to-potential-suitors-despite-no-planes-20240510-p5jcku |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-10 |title=Bonza administrators tell creditors they are hopeful airline can be saved despite $116m debt |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-10/bonza-creditors-meeting-parties-work-to-save-airline/103829502 |access-date=2024-05-12 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>
On 27 May 2024, the Federal Court of Australia granted Hall Chadwick a two-month extension to administration period, until 29 July, with the aim of selling the company. Hall Chadwick argued that avoiding liquidation would benefit employees and creditors. They emphasised to the court that the most valuable asset of the airline is its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), which could be at risk of cancellation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) if liquidation occurs. Hall Chadwick informed the court that discussions with two potential buyers were ongoing, and finalising a sale agreement may take two to three weeks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-27 |title=Bonza staff futures remain in limbo as administrators given more time to find a buyer |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-27/bonza-administration-extended-by-federal-court/103896214 |access-date=2024-06-02 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Jake |last2=Neilson |first2=Naomi |date=2024-05-29 |title=Court extends Bonza administration to late July |url=http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/corporate-counsel/39768-court-extends-bonza-administration-to-late-july |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=www.lawyersweekly.com.au |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackman |first=Ian |title=Albarran, in the matter of Bonza Aviation Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2024] FCA 575 |url=https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2024/2024fca0575 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=Federal Court of Australia}}</ref>
On 11 June 2024, Bonza's administrators officially terminated all 323 staff and cancelled all future flights. At the time as the administrators were yet to liquidate Bonza, the terminated staff were not yet able to claim back unpaid wages and entitlements via the Australian Federal Government's Fair Entitlement Guarantee scheme.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bonza staff have employment officially terminated in town hall meeting |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-11/bonza-staff-employment-terminated/103962770}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=Hundreds of sacked workers fight for pay after sudden collapse |url=https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/bonza-airlines-hundreds-of-sacked-workers-fight-for-pay-after-sudden-collapse-065025512.html |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-AU}}</ref> It was also reported that no formal offers to purchase Bonza had been submitted to the administrator.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Visontay |first1=Elias |last2=Transport |first2=Elias Visontay |last3=reporter |first3=urban affairs |date=2024-06-11 |title=Bonza administrators say 'no option' but to sack all staff after failed search for buyer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/11/bonza-airlines-administrators-sack-staff-ahead-of-announcement |access-date=2024-06-11 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
On 2 July 2024, Bonza's creditors voted to liquidate the company after administrators failed to find a buyer.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/bonza-officially-collapses-after-creditors-approve-liquidation/ee71dddb-0990-4743-9f53-a2dae2fc79a4 | work=Nine News | date=2 July 2024 | title=Bonza officially collapses after creditors approve airline liquidation}}</ref>
==Sponsorships== [[File:Bruno Fornaroli MVFC (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bonza previously served as the front of shirt sponsor for Melbourne Victory FC]] On 4 October 2022, Bonza announced a four-year sponsorship deal with Australian A-League Men's football club Melbourne Victory to be their front-of-shirt principal partner on both their home and away kits.<ref>{{cite news |title=Melbourne victory announces Bonza as principal partner |url=https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/melbourne-victory-announces-bonza-as-principal-partner |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=melbournevictory.com.au |date=4 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bonza inks four season partnership with Melbourne Victory|url=https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/bonza-inks-four-season-partnership-with-melbourne-victory/ |access-date=6 October 2022 |publisher=Travel Weekly |date=5 October 2022}}</ref> Melbourne Victory acquired a new principal partner in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gill |first=Shannon |title=A-Leagues: Melbourne Victory confident collapse of sponsor Bonza airlines will not have major affect on club |url=https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/football/aleagues-melbourne-victory-confident-collapse-of-sponsor-bonza-airlines-will-not-affect-the-club/news-story/39f6500e465058ab667085cf8da26d87?amp |access-date=2 June 2024 |publisher=The Toowoomba Chronicle |date=1 May 2024}}</ref>
==Destinations== On 30 April 2024, when operations ceased Bonza operated the following 38 routes and served 21 destinations in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria.<ref name=AA150222>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220214233756/https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/02/revealed-bonza-will-fly-25-routes-to-16-destinations/ Revealed: Bonza will fly 25 routes to 16 destinations] ''Australian Aviation'' 15 February 2022</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bonza bound for Tamworth with flights from Melbourne, Sunshine Coast|url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/03/bonza-bound-for-tamworth-with-flights-from-melbourne-sunshine-coast/ |website=Australian Aviation |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bonza celebrates first full year of operation |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/01/bonza-celebrates-first-full-year-of-operation/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=Australian Aviation |language=en-AU}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" |+ !State/Territory !City !Airport !Notes |- |rowspan="5"|New South Wales |Albury |Albury Airport | |- |Coffs Harbour |Coffs Harbour Airport |{{terminated}} |- |Newcastle |Newcastle Airport | |- |Port Macquarie |Port Macquarie Airport | |- |Tamworth |Tamworth Airport | |- |rowspan="2"|Northern Territory |Alice Springs |Alice Springs Airport | |- |Darwin |Darwin International Airport | |- |rowspan="11"|Queensland |Bundaberg |Bundaberg Airport | |- |Cairns |Cairns Airport | |- |Gladstone |Gladstone Airport | |- |Gold Coast |Gold Coast Airport |{{Airline hub|Base}} |- |Mackay |Mackay Airport | |- |Mount Isa |Mount Isa Airport | |- |Proserpine |Whitsunday Coast Airport | |- |Rockhampton |Rockhampton Airport | |- |Sunshine Coast |Sunshine Coast Airport |{{Airline hub|Base}} |- |Toowoomba |Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport | |- |Townsville |Townsville Airport | |- |rowspan="1"|Tasmania |Launceston |Launceston Airport | |- |rowspan="3" |Victoria |Melbourne / Geelong |Avalon Airport | |- |Melbourne |Melbourne Airport |{{Airline hub|Base}}
|- |Mildura |Mildura Airport | |}
==Fleet== Bonza's fleet reached its peak of six aircraft in December 2023, by leasing two additional Canadian-registered Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from its sister airline, Flair. The leasing agreement had encountered months of delays with Australian Government regulator Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requiring Bonza to demonstrate how they would integrate the Canadian-registered aircraft and crew into their operation to ensure aviation safety leading to the delay.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-14 |title=Bonza Airline cancels flights after trying to lease Canadian aircraft and crew before approval |first1=Jessica |last1=Moran |last2=Holmes |first2=Adam |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-15/bonza-flight-cancellations-in-weeks-before-christmas/103230700 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430114740/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-15/bonza-flight-cancellations-in-weeks-before-christmas/103230700 |url-status=live |access-date=2024-04-30 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Bonza planned to convert these wet lease agreements into dry leases and register the aircraft in Australia. However, Bonza faced challenges in converting two short-term wet lease contracts into longer-term dry leases as the planes required recertification by government regulators. Consequently, one of the leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft returned to Flair in Canada in early March 2024, while the other remained parked at Sunshine Coast Airport since early March 2024. With the latter aircraft awaiting approval from CASA to operate under dry lease terms.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Australia's Bonza expects to sort wet-lease regulatory snafu |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/135014-australias-bonza-expects-to-sort-wet-lease-regulatory-snafu |first=Andrew |last=Curran |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430123157/https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/135014-australias-bonza-expects-to-sort-wet-lease-regulatory-snafu |url-status=live |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-19 |title=Bonza cuts flights amid trouble registering aircraft |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-cuts-gold-coast-flights-amid-trouble-registering-aircraft-20240416-p5fk9s |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en |first=Ayesha |last=de Kretser |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430123303/https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-cuts-gold-coast-flights-amid-trouble-registering-aircraft-20240416-p5fk9s |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Australia's Bonza constrained by aircraft availability |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/139669-australias-bonza-constrained-by-aircraft-availability |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=ch-aviation.com |language=en|archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430123430/https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/139669-australias-bonza-constrained-by-aircraft-availability |first=Andrew |last=Curran |url-status=live}}</ref>
Due to a lightning strike incident on one of Bonza's 737 Max aircraft in November 2023 leading to a shortage of aircraft to operate Bonza's scheduled routes, Bonza entered into temporary wet lease agreement with Nauru Airlines. Under the agreement Nauru Airlines operated on behalf of Bonza on some Bonza routes using Nauru Airlines B737-800 and B737-300 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia's Bonza expects to sort wet-lease regulatory snafu |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/135014-australias-bonza-expects-to-sort-wet-lease-regulatory-snafu |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref> However, in early April 2024 Nauru Airlines abruptly terminated the agreement.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-18 |title=KordaMentha runs the ruler over Bonza as its Miami PE owner wavers |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-brings-in-kordamentha-to-review-operations-at-the-budget-carrier-20240418-p5fkot |url-access=subscription |first1=Matthew |last1=Cranston |last2=de Kretser |first2=Ayesha |access-date=2024-04-30 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430122812/https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-brings-in-kordamentha-to-review-operations-at-the-budget-carrier-20240418-p5fkot |url-status=live |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> On 10 May 2024 following Bonza entering voluntary administration the Australian Financial Review reported that Bonza owed Nauru Airlines around A$1 million in unpaid aircraft leases.<ref name=":2" />
On 30 April 2024, creditors repossessed all of Bonza's fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Kretser |first=Ayesha |date=2024-04-29 |title=Bonza flights in chaos after planes repossessed |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-flights-cancelled-as-aircraft-repossessed-20240430-p5fnjf |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430123610/https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/bonza-flights-cancelled-as-aircraft-repossessed-20240430-p5fnjf |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=McGuire |first1=Amelia |last2=Danckert |first2=Sarah |date=2024-04-30 |title=Bonza enters voluntary administration after cancelling all flights until Friday |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/bonza-wiped-from-departure-boards-as-ceo-mulls-future-20240430-p5fnkp.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430124030/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/bonza-wiped-from-departure-boards-as-ceo-mulls-future-20240430-p5fnkp.html |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The Canadian-registered aircraft, C-FLHI "Bruce", was flown out of Australia under a Flair callsign to Canada on 9 May 2024.<ref>[https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/first-bonza-leased-max-bazza-leaves-australia/ First Bonza Leased Max, Bazza, Leaves Australia] ''Australian Aviation'' 13 May 2024</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Bree |date=2024-05-09 |title=Bonza's aircraft leave the country after embattled airline's fleet repossessed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/bonza-aircraft-leave-australia-after-fleet-repossessed/103824084 |access-date=2024-05-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Following this, VH-UIK "Bazza", VH-UKH "Malc", VH-UJT "Shazza" and VH-UJK "Sheila" were all flown out of Australia to France on 11, 15, 20 May and 5 June 2024, respectively.
{{As of|2024|04|30}}, when operations ceased, the Bonza fleet consisted of the following aircraft:{{Cn|date=May 2025}}
{|class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center" |+ !Aircraft !Number !Orders !Passengers !Notes |- |Boeing 737 MAX 8 |4 |— |186 |All repossessed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://viewfromthewing.com/australian-airline-bonza-suddenly-cancels-flights-when-all-their-planes-are-repossessed/ |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430115633/https://viewfromthewing.com/australian-airline-bonza-suddenly-cancels-flights-when-all-their-planes-are-repossessed/ |url-status=live |title=Australian Airline Bonza Suddenly Cancels Flights When All Their Planes Are Repossessed |first=Gary |last=Leff |date=29 April 2024}}</ref> |- !Total !align=center|4 !align=center|— !colspan=2| |}
Bonza's 737 MAX 8 fleet consisted of 186 seats in an all-economy layout. Seats are laid out in a 3-3 configuration.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jameson |first=Julietta |date=2023-06-27 |title=Airline review: Our verdict on Bonza? It's great |quote=Bonza flight AB1037, Boeing 737-MAX economy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/airline-review-our-verdict-on-bonza-it-s-great-20230615-p5dgwn.html |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date=30 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430122405/https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/airline-review-our-verdict-on-bonza-it-s-great-20230615-p5dgwn.html|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kyriakopoulos |first=Victoria |date=14 April 2023 |title=Bonza Boeing 737-8 MAX Economy (Melbourne - Sunshine Coast) |quote=There’s only Economy Class onboard Bonza flights with a 3-3 configuration. But not all seats are created equal.|url=https://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/bonza-boeing-737-economy-class-melbourne-sunshine-coast/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=pointhacks.com.au |language=en-AU |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430122417/https://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/bonza-boeing-737-economy-class-melbourne-sunshine-coast/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category-inline|Bonza (airline)}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20240302111734/https://www.flybonza.com/ Official website] {{Portalbar|Australia|Companies|Aviation}} {{Navbox Airlines of Australia|state=collapsed}}
Category:Defunct airlines of Australia Category:Airlines established in 2021 Category:Airlines disestablished in 2024 Category:Airlines of Queensland Category:Companies based in Queensland Category:Defunct low-cost airlines Category:2021 establishments in Australia Category:2024 disestablishments in Australia