Bonza! New independent, low-cost Aussie airline prepares for take-off in early 2022
A new airline that aims to fill the void left behind by the now-defunct Tigerair in Australia is planning to launch early next year.
According to its website, Bonza is an independent, low-cost carrier (LCC) that will allow Aussies “to see more of their own backyard”. So, in other words, the airline will be flying domestically, but not internationally.
Bonza is the brainchild of Tim Jordan, who has more than 25 years of aviation industry experience, most notably in low-cost airline operations.
Previously, Jordan was the managing director of FlyArystan, the first budget carrier in Central Asia, based in Kazakhstan. He successfully planned and launched the new airline in late 2018, which now has the largest market share of traffic in the Kazakh domestic market.
Jordan is also the former chief commercial officer of Philippines-based LCC Cebu Pacific Air, where he led the airline through a major transformation. And, prior to Cebu Pacific Air, Jordan was head of commercial distribution for Virgin Blue.
Bonza is slated for launch in early 2022, pending regulatory approval, and will be flying Boeing’s 737-8 aircraft.
The airline has the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which announced in March the addition of 24 737-8s to the firm’s aviation portfolio, with purchase rights for an additional 60 aircraft.
The Miami-based company said it would place the single-aisle planes with its “growing portfolio of low-cost carrier investments around the world”, so you can only assume some of them will be for Bonza.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Jordan said the airline wants to cater to Australia’s “tradies, teachers, kids and carers”, and will focus on flying to new destinations in addition to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“We’re for the everyday Australian…we won’t have the bells and whistles offering with lounges and frequent flyer programs,” Jordan said.
Bonza’s founder and CEO reckons there has always been an opportunity to launch a budget domestic carrier Down Under, but noted that the recent evaporation of the Tigerair brand meant the prospects of succeeding are now even better.
“The countries with the most aviation growth are those with independent, low-cost operators that can stimulate new markets that can’t exist if full-service carriers operate them,” he told SMH.
According to the Nine-owned masthead, Bonza has been in development for several years and Jordan will start putting the feelers out to over 45 Aussie airports.
“I think there will be a degree of hangover when the international restrictions are lifted that will see lower rates of international travel for much longer than there will be domestically,” he said.
“The rest of the world has shown Australia domestic markets recover rapidly when given the opportunity to do so.”
Bonza’s head office will be located “somewhere in regional Australia”, according to the airline’s website. And, given Jordan’s based in Coffs Harbour (as per his LinkedIn profile), Travel Weekly is guessing it’ll be somewhere on the NSW North Coast.
Jordan is also hunting for staff, so if you’re looking for work or keen to change jobs, you can register your interest in joining Bonza here.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airline Bonza Budget airline budget carrier domestic airline domestic flights FlyArystan low cost carrier low-cost airline regional flights Tim JordanLatest News
“Dragged to hell and back”: Qantas’ illegal sackings severely impacted workers’ mental health, court told
A court has heard of the extent the illegal sackings had on former employees, including cases of anxiety and depression.
Qantas to increase domestic lounge fees by 17% next month
QF says the hike will recover lost member fees during COVID. TW thinks its absolutely time to leave the big C behind.
17 per cent rise in business volume drives Club Med success in 2023-24 and beyond
What's next for Club Med? We'd guess another all inclusive resort, but what do we know?
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Scoot’s mega March sale has flights to Athens from $355
With Scoot, travellers can lap up the Parthenon on the cheap! Delving into Ancient Greece has never been so affordable.
Luxury Travel Collection welcomes Ramsgate Travel Services to the group
Ramsgate hopefully to be welcomed to the group with more than just an Eagle Boys party. This is worthy of Domino's!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Unveiling Austria: The Ultimate Destination for Aussie Adventurers!
Looking for a different country to explore but don't want the name to be all that different? Austria is your saviour!
Kyoto’s cherry blossom guide: The one-stop-shop for exploring the city
It can't top Aussie favourites like the Gum or Banksia tree, but we'll give the Cherry Blossom tree the bronze medal.
Entire Travel Group is giving agents $100 for each Rocky Mountaineer booking
Clients mulling a rail holiday and are set on Europe? Convince them Canada is where it's at with Entire's new incentive.
Mickey Mann relocates to Sydney for expansive sales role at TTC Tour Brands
Mickey's gotten the big promotion while TW has finally fixed its coffee machine! It's all happening in the travel world.
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
WEBINAR: Don’t miss the chance to scrub up on England, Scotland and Wales this week
Looking for an excuse to put the feet up for half an hour this working week? Look no further!
Luxury Escapes officially launches its agent hub
Appease your luxury-craving client and score some sweet commission. It's all happening with this new agent portal.
CATO heads to Canberra to discuss the state of travel with Government
Telling someone you're going to Canberra "for work" is a real power move. We've only been for trips to Questacon.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring the TW team to sell it in a can.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ 2024/25 program for Aussies has arrived!
Has this got news got you giddy with glee or feeling a bit 'meh'? Well, it's here for you anyway.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news over the weekend? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Qatar Airways CEO unveils ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’
Qatar ushers in '2.0', while TW nurses the Guinness-induced haziness of a Monday after Paddy's Day.
“Airport of the future”: Gold Coast Airport outlines mega plans
What does the airport of the future look like in your mind? If the robots from Wall-E came up then we think alike.
Journey Beyond celebrates 95 years of The Ghan with birthday sale
Do note that today's b'day sale isn't actually The Ghan's b'day. We'd hate for you to get a train's b'day wrong.
Tourism Ireland gets the gang together for Paddy’s Day
'Fill your heart with Ireland' is the campaign name. We prefer fill your stomach with Guiness.
Heritage Expeditions’ new sales manager Australia celebrates appointment with agent famil
He took 11 agents on a trip for his new gig while TW celebrates newbies with a parmi and a pint. Both equal in our eyes.
Uniworld announces S.S. Emilie to sail Europe in 2026
The TW team was once desperate for a river cruise but we ended up at a Uniqlo, not Uniworld. Got a fun shirt though.
INCENTIVE: Double your commission with Inspiring Vacations
Does this news inspire you to flog some Inspiring Vacations trips? Let this article be your inspiration.
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
44,000 tonnes of sustainable fuel needed to meet decarbonisation targets in EU: CLIA
Much less beans in our diet is what the TW team needs to decarbonise. Though Heinz may shut down if that happens.
Scathing revelations send Boeing’s share price plummeting – Market Check
Poor Boeing. It's just not going. Perhaps soon its brand value will be growing. Until then, it's only faults showing.
The $8 million Government initiative to boost sustainable tourism
Putting $8m into sustainable tourism is a much wiser move than our suggestion of putting it all on black at the casino.
Virtuoso ANZ Forum: Award winners, trends, outlook and more revealed!
The forum was full of Virtuosos! By that we mean travel agents and partners, not Beethoven and Rachmaninov.
“Stressful and humiliating”: Blind disability charity executive abandoned by Jetstar at airport
The poorly treated traveller said this was a failure by the airline to meet its obligation to uphold her human rights.
AmaWaterways opens reservations office for ANZ agents
AmaWaterways has someone for you to yak to! It's meant for reservations but we're sure chit chat is also welcome.
IHG hits 1,000 APAC properties, signals bright future ahead
1000 properties is great for IHG but Travel Weekly just got today's Wordle in two guesses! Who's the real winner, huh?
Melbourne bookings up 52% as Formula 1-fever drives racing fans wild
Does Formula 1 drive you wild, to insanity or round the bend? Regardless, it's driving travellers to Melbourne.
Three-quarters of Aussies plan up to 3 trips this year: AMEX
75% of Aussies are keen on a hat-trick this year! Should make up for never getting one in cricket as a kid.