Only 15 months after its establishment, Australian low-cost airline Bonza announced the cancellation of all flights on Tuesday due to concerns about the “ongoing viability” of the company.
As the domestic carrier, which takes pride in its tagline, “Here for Allstralia,” stranded customers with tickets, television images showed vacant Bonza counters at Melbourne Airport.
“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today, as discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” chief executive Tim Jordan said in a statement provided to AFP.
“We apologise to our customers who are impacted by this and we’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market.”
When Bonza debuted in January 2023, it created a stir since it promised a traditional Australian experience complete with craft beer, sausages known as snags, and a laid-back attitude towards crew uniforms.
Above all, it offered fares as low as $Aus49 ($US32) for tickets, which frequently served smaller regional airports.
The US investment firm 777 Partners, which has been contacted for comment, provided support to Bonza.
According to Strategic Aviation Solutions’ Neil Hansford, an aviation consultant, the airline was doomed from the beginning.
“The model was totally wrong. They were trying to fly on routes with no proven density, a leisure-only product,” he said.
“It was the wrong aircraft at the wrong prices on the wrong routes.”
Virgin Australia leapt on the announcement to offer a hand to deserted passengers.
“We will immediately support any passengers stranded mid-journey by offering complimentary seats on Virgin Australia-operated flights to the airport nearest to their final planned Bonza destination,” it said in a statement.
