Bonza, Australia’s new low-cost airline, took off in style with its first passenger flight today. Founded in 2021 by Lidia Valenzuela, Peter McNally, and Tim Jordan, it is mainly owned by 777 partners. The new airline has its headquarters in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, with a fleet of three aircraft servicing its destinations.
On the 31st of January, 2023, Bonza launched its first passenger flight from Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Airport (MCY) to Whitsunday Coast Proserpine Airport (PPP). The new carrier comes strong into the Australian aviation industry with its ambition to operate 26 of the 27 untraversed routes, opening up a new market to travellers.
Tim Jordan, the CEO of Bonza, emphasised the airline’s goals in a recent statement to the media:
“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.”
Travellers’ reaction
Bonza can boast of a warm welcome from travellers, as it sold over 10,000 seats upon opening its ticket sales on the 27th of January, 2023. The bookings are scheduled across 15 routes and 12 destinations, with booking availability until October 2023. Positive feedback from travellers on the carrier’s first passenger flight will hopefully influence ticket sales.
A new flying experience
Innovation keeps existing airlines relevant, and it helps new airlines stand out and receive the awareness they need. The airline introduced an innovative flying experience by incorporating the following practices:
- Ticket sales are on the airline’s app instead of the website.
- Passengers place food and drink orders on the app while onboard.
- There are Purple seats with fitted USB ports.
- The most intriguing aspect is that passengers can purchase budgie smugglers while flying.
- Trolleys won’t move around the aircraft, making you wonder how the hostesses will serve food and drinks onboard.
Enjoy the local taste
Bonza plans to source its onboard snacks and drinks from Handmade Food Co and Good Mates. The airline plans to patronise the local businesses to improve their sales and give its passengers the experience of a regular day on the Sunshine Coast while onboard.
What do you think of this new airline? Are you flying with them soon? Let us know in the comments.
