AIP Capital quashes besieged Bonza’s hopes of returning to skies

The owners of Bonza’s entire fleet which was leased to the besieged airline say they intend to have the planes made available to other carriers, in yet another massive blow.

Bonza has been delivered another massive blow, with hopes of returning the besieged airline’s fleet to the skies being quashed by the aircraft owners.

Bonza’s entire fleet was leased from owners AIP Capital, who have told administrators Hall Chadwick that they intend to have the planes made available to other carriers.

It is a huge blow to hopes of a rapid return to the skies for the airline, which has suspended all flights since last Tuesday.

The suspension of flights now continues until at least next Wednesday, May 15.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hall Chadwick said the breakdown in negotiations was “difficult” but talks were continuing to find a solution.

“The administrators have regretfully been advised that the lessors will continue to enforce their rights under the termination notices and, subject to their own requirements and arrangements, seek to reposition the fleet elsewhere,” the statement said.

Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan.

“This is a difficult situation, and the administrators recognise the significant impact on all stakeholders including the company’s employees and customers.

“Notwithstanding this, the administrators are reviewing all available options to allow the resumption of the company’s operations. They will continue in their efforts through various discussions with interested parties, potential investors, and other airlines.

“The administrators expect that additional time will be required in order to facilitate and finalise, if possible, these arrangements.”

Hall Chadwick also confirmed the firm was made aware of Bonza’s struggles as far back as November last year when they were approached “in relation to a potential engagement involving a review of the company’s financial position and an investment and/or acquisition for the company”.

However, no engagement was entered into at that time.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia to support cabin crew members of the troubled airline.

It seeks to raise $660,000 to help staff with urgent bills and day-to-day expenses.

FAAA Vice President Angela McManus told The Courier Mail that Bonza cabin crews are now facing financial hardship due to the airline’s administration.

“This initiative seeks to get some immediate financial support for the cabin crew,” Ms McManus said.

“They were significantly impacted following the airline unexpectedly moving into administration last week - they haven’t been paid for the month before.

“Obviously we wanted to try and get some immediate relief to those crew who need to pay rent, mortgages or even just put food on the table.”

A former cabin crew staff of Bonza Airline, Wendy, raised concerns over the lack of payments in recent weeks.

“None of us have been paid for five weeks through no fault of our own,” Wendy said.

“What has happened to Bonza is extremely complex and as staff we are just caught up in this unfortunate predicament.

“On behalf of all Bonza staff, I am appealing to the federal government for assistance in this difficult time for all of us.”