Australia’s newest airline took flight for the first time today, launching services between Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Airport and Whitsunday Coast Proserpine Airport.
The airline, which operates low-cost services using Boeing 737 Max aircraft, hopes to carve a niche for itself out of underserved routes within Australia, away from the heavily fought over trunk routes which other airlines focus on.
Bonza also approaches ticket sales in a different way, selling seats through its app rather than on its website, as well as in certain travel agents.
Similarly, passengers onboard their aircraft order food and drinks using the app, and not by flight attendants walking up and down the aisle with a trolley.
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Bonza’s Fleet
Bonza has launched service with a fleet of three Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, all around 3-4 years old. They are:
- VH-UIK
- VH-UJK
- VH-UJT
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Another six examples are on order for delivery soon:
- VH-UDV
- VH-UKH
- VH-UMQ
- VH-UNN
- VH-UQI
- VH-UQP
The majority of the fleet was previously operated by LOT Polish Airlines, with some coming from orders by Russian carriers that were not taken up due to sanctions.
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Bonza Routes
Aside from the initial route, Bonza plans to open up 27 routes from its Sunshine Coast base, as well as its second planned base at Melbourne Tullamarine airport.
The majority of its new routes, which cover destinations in New South Wales, Queenstown and Victoria, will commence over the coming two months.
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1 comment
I am amazed the airline is still solvent ,after having these 737MAXs sit around, some since August 2022, generating no revenue.
I wish them well, however very sceptical about their long term viability.
Some of their selected airports have never been serviced by 737 before, so , yes, have grave doubts.