Australia’s newest airline has taken to the sky, low-cost carrier Bonza. AB777 was wheels up from Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Airport (MCY) just behind schedule at 08:30, bound on its direct service to Whitsunday Coast Proserpine Airport (PPP).
The carrier has high aspirations to find a niche of underserved routes, where it plans to operate 26 out of 27 routes uncontested (currently). Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza, commented:
“It’s about new market stimulation and giving many places, many people the opportunity to travel to see friends and family … We are about travel for the many, not the few.”
A new way to fly in Australia
Bonza plans to revolutionize the way Australians travel with its unique approach. The airline will sell tickets through its app (not on the web) or via authorized travel agents. Budgie smugglers (speedos) will be sold onboard, and there will be no trolleys making their way down the aisle; passengers will order snacks or drinks via the airline’s app.
Purple seats and a USB port
Today’s travelers were welcomed onboard to the airline’s purple seats, fitted with a USB port and power socket. No seatback entertainment will be available. However, a library of entertainment is available for viewing through the airline’s ‘one-stop shop’ app.
Snacks and drinks are sourced locally.
The airline plans to support local, with craft beers brewed by Sunshine Coast’s ‘Good Mates’ and croissants prepared by The Handmade Food Co. Disposable cups are banished, with Bonza’s reusable purple cups serving your fresh cup of joe.
10,000 seats sold
The airline’s first seats went on sale on January 27, with over 10,000 eager travelers confirming their next getaway with Bonza. The airline has currently scheduled 15 routes to 12 destinations, with availability loaded up to the end of October.
Eager for Melbourne, unsure about Sydney
CEO Tim Jordan has noted that the airline is eager to kick off operations from Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (MEL), the airline’s second Australian base. The carrier expects several new aircraft that will soon accommodate these operations. Jordan noted to ABC News:
“We are taking delivery of two additional aircraft, one next month [and] one a month after that,
“We’re looking forward to doing that and putting those routes on sale in the coming weeks.”
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) had been on the airline’s horizon. However, with Australia’s largest airport’s landing fees remaining high, the airline is not convinced it would fit their low-cost approach. (Like, would we ever see Ryanair at Heathrow?) Could this see Bonza eventually launch additional routes from nearby Newcastle Williamtown Airport (NTL) or double down at the in-construction Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport? Time will tell.
A nod to 777 partners?
The new carrier is backed by an American investment firm, 777 Partners. One may wonder if the carrier’s first flight number AB777, was a nod to their financial backing.
Source: simpleflying.com