Bonza goes into administration, management "seeking a way forward"

BTN News
Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Australian regional startup Bonza has gone into administration after suspending flights across the country, authorities said on April 30.


Passengers with tickets for travel on Tuesday turned up at airports to find their flights cancelled.

A hotline for affected passengers has been set up and other airlines are offering  free seats.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said Bonza Aviation has been declared 'externally administered', with accounting and advisory firm Hall Chadwick appointed.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have offered complimentary seats (where available) on flights to Bonza passengers who are stranded mid-journey.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said in a statement that all services are "temporarily suspended" while discussions about the ongoing viability of the business take place.

Jordan also said Bonza's aircraft "have had repossession proceedings commenced by AIP Capital, the aircraft lessor”.

The airline has published a statement on its web site and app, apologising to affected customers.

"We’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market," the statement reads.

Bonza's financial position has been the subject of speculation since it launched  early last year, often with services linking country towns that it said were under-represented by the Australian airlines of the day.

Bonza goes into administration, management "seeking a way forward"

BTN News
Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Australian regional startup Bonza has gone into administration after suspending flights across the country, authorities said on April 30.


Passengers with tickets for travel on Tuesday turned up at airports to find their flights cancelled.

A hotline for affected passengers has been set up and other airlines are offering  free seats.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said Bonza Aviation has been declared 'externally administered', with accounting and advisory firm Hall Chadwick appointed.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have offered complimentary seats (where available) on flights to Bonza passengers who are stranded mid-journey.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said in a statement that all services are "temporarily suspended" while discussions about the ongoing viability of the business take place.

Jordan also said Bonza's aircraft "have had repossession proceedings commenced by AIP Capital, the aircraft lessor”.

The airline has published a statement on its web site and app, apologising to affected customers.

"We’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market," the statement reads.

Bonza's financial position has been the subject of speculation since it launched  early last year, often with services linking country towns that it said were under-represented by the Australian airlines of the day.