Bonza’s Launch Delayed Again

Another setback has emerged in the launch of Australia’s new ultra-low-cost airline Bonza.

There is still some ambiguity about when Bonza will take off because the budget airline is waiting for clearance from the national aviation regulator (CASA).

Bonza has rescheduled its launch for mid-October, according to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), although this is contingent upon “the clarification of many concerns.”

Bonza launched last October, becoming the first new airline in Australia in 15 years and making headlines with its promise of affordable flights between under-served rural areas in the eastern states.

Independent airline financed by US private equity company 777 Partners planned to fly by the beginning of the year.

The original March date was pushed to the middle of the year and then to September.

Despite submitting its application for an air operator’s licence to CASA in April, Bonza is still waiting for regulatory approval.

It was described as “multifaceted and intricate” by a CASA spokesman.

An expert group is “carefully assessing processes and paperwork to ensure Bonza fulfils the aviation safety standards demanded by Australian travellers,” he explained.

“Airline operations manuals, maintenance procedures, safety systems, and pilot and crew training are all part of the examination.”

After receiving feedback from Bonza, the CASA and Bonza teams are still working through the application process.

CASA did not expand on its specific comments to Bonza or the questions the startup airline needed to answer.

Carly Povey, CCO of Bonza, stated that the company “completely honoured the regulatory procedure.”

Ms. Povey noted that “they perform a tremendously vital job, regulating aviation in Australia” and that the Australian government is “respecting the process we’re working through with them.”

“It would be inappropriate for us to speculate on when this procedure would be finalised. “Povey said.

As soon as we learn further about Bonza, we will, of course, let Australian travellers know.

Mildura, Rockhampton, Tamworth, and Coffs Harbour are just some of the 17 cities Bonza’s network will serve. The Sunshine Coast is where its headquarters will be located.

First Boeing 737 Max 8 (nicknamed “Shazza”) has been purchased by Bonza, with a second plane on the way.