Bonza! New airline to bring 'ultra low' airfares to Aussies
Australia will get a new domestic airline from early next year when Bonza expects to take to the skies, taking advantage of an expected boom in air travel in a post-pandemic world.
Bonza, which is backed by a US investment firm and headed by ex-Virgin Blue executive Tim Jordan, is promising "ultra low prices" to travel around the country in 2022.
"Bonza's mission is to encourage more travel by providing more choices and ultra-low fares, particularly into leisure destinations where travel is now often limited to connections via major cities," CEO and founder Mr Jordan said.
"We expect more than half of our routes not to be flown by other operators."
Focus on regional communities
Bonza's ambition is broad but it appears there will be a focus on regional communities, with new routes in the wings.
Mr Jordan has more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry and recently was managing director of FlyArystan, the first low-cost carrier in Central Asia.
US investment firm 777 Partners is backing Bonza, which subject to regulatory approval expects to launch services in early 2022 with Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
"We see huge potential in the Australian market to deliver the benefits and options that an independent low fare airline brings," 777 Partners managing partner Josh Wander said in a statement.
Routes are yet to be confirmed. However Bonza will not contest popular capital city ones dominated by current airlines, such as between Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Instead, Mr Jordan claimed Bonza could serve and generate more demand for regional flights.
The most notable difference for customers on board will be the planes - new Boeing 737-8s.
"You're likely to be flying on a larger aircraft than is flown by the incumbents," Mr Jordan said.
Customers will also have to pay for food service and any checked baggage. These measures will help Bonza compete on cost.
The planes will sport white and purple livery on its aircraft and plans to base its headquarters in regional Australia, with the exact location yet to be revealed.
Plan to fast track travel
Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated that international travel, as well as domestic travel, could be on the cards soon.
On Sunday the prime minister announced himself and and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet are looking to "accelerate" opening the international border for NSW with vaccination rates rising rapidly.
Mr Morrison said it will be made possible once arrangements for seven day home quarantine are finalised.
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