Bonza receives its first ever aircraft

New Australian airline, Bonza, has received its first ever aircraft.

The low cost carrier took delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX at its base at Sunshine Coast Airport, about 90 km (56 mi) north of Brisbane.

The new airline plans to start operations in late September 2022 with flights to 17 destinations on 27 routes across Australia.

The business model is quite a bit different from most Australian airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia. They concentrate on the big three cities of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Bonza plan is to target budget-conscious passengers who have never before been able to travel to neglected regional tourist destinations.

Ninety three per cent of Bonza routes are not currently served by any airline and ninety six percent not currently served by a low-cost carrier.

First 737 MAX in Australia

Bonza is the first Australian airline to get the new 737 MAX. The layout will probably be a single class with high density seating.

The airline has signaled a commitment to add seven 737 MAX airplanes to its fleet within its first year of operation.

The 737 MAX delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market.

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and incorporating advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX offers excellent economics. The airplane family reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to jets it replaces.

Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza:

“We are beyond excited to welcome our first 737 MAX to Sunshine Coast Airport and with so much buzz around the country for Bonza, we hope today is also exciting for the communities we’ll be flying to.

“Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to reach this significant milestone and we cannot wait to launch operations in the near future. The efficiency, reliability and overall capability of the 737 MAX will enable us to provide our customers with low-cost flights and the highest level of comfort onboard.”

Christy Reese, vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific, Boeing Commercial Airplanes:

“This is a tremendous milestone for Bonza and Boeing as the airline joins many operators around the world who have launched service with the 737 MAX.

“Bonza has created a new business model to create new markets in Australia’s dynamic commercial aviation market. We are confident that the fuel-efficient 737-8 airplanes will enable the airline to provide their passengers with a comfortable flying experience and a more sustainable option to travel throughout the country.”

Backed by 777 Partners

Bonza is backed by 777 Partners, a Miami based private investment firm. The company also backs Flair Airlines a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC).  777 Partners has ordered up to 134 737 MAXs since 2021.

N.B. Image credit: Boeing

Internet links

Bonza (AB)

Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)

Boeing 737 MAX