Bonza now likely to launch mid-year, says CEO

The CE of start-up airline Bonza now thinks the carrier will likely begin operations in mid-2022. Tim Jordan said that while it was still a “possibility” it could start flying late in the second quarter, its progress would depend on how quickly it can pass regulatory requirements with CASA. Jordan was speaking exclusively on a special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, which you can listen to above, where he gave more details on the airline’s previously secret plans to operate 25 routes across 16 destinations in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Bonza is unique in that most of its services are so-called “point-to-point” leisure routes, rather than flying between, or to, capital cities. When asked by host Hannah Dowling what the next steps would be after the early rollout, Jordan said, “More of the same. We’re still missing some major cities and some major route opportunities, and a number of states and territories that weren’t mentioned at all yesterday. “We can’t say we’re here for all of Australia but not fulfil that promise.” Jordan also revealed he would walk away from airports that don’t come to the negotiating table on fees. He said the charges are the “single, largest cost” for airlines, and airports that want to benefit from Bonza’s low-cost leisure customers will need to be competitive.<br/>