Bonza plays down CASA launch delay
Bonza has played down the delay in it achieving its crucial clearance with CASA to launch, arguing it had “expected” the process to be thorough.
The airline was hoping to begin operations last month but is unable to do so until it receives the crucial Air Operators Certificate.
However, in new comments, chief executive Tim Jordan said, “The regulator performs an incredibly important role for the country.
“We are bringing new aircraft into Australia, and we would expect the process to be thorough.”
When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure services not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.
Bonza said 93 per cent of its network — 25 out of its 27 routes — are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.
Destinations on Bonza’s initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Whitsunday Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.
Australian Aviation has been charting Bonza’s progress with a series of exclusive stories, including revealing how the company quietly registered a third 737 MAX with CASA last week.
The formal acquisition of a new aircraft, VH-UBI, came after Australian Aviation revealed its second, VH-UIK, was en route to Australia and its first, VH-UJT, is flying up and down the east coast.
Bonza initially planned to launch with a fleet of two to three MAXs before increasing its ambitions to target having eight.
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