Bonza to swap in-flight catering trolleys for app

Budget airline Bonza’s bid to fly to Mackay and the Whitsundays has taken a step forward as details about their in-flight service revealed some innovations.

A Bonza Boeing over Newcastle, NSW. PIcture: supplied

Bonza’s chances of running a commercial air service to Mackay and the Whitsundays has just rolled forward.

The new budget airline has conducted proving flights to its target destinations, including Mackay and Whitsundays, for the past few months.

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said they had “received key documents that should allow the airline to complete the process”.

“CASA will be able to make a final decision once proving flights have been completed in early January,” the spokesman said.

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said they “remained focused” on the final stages of the process.

“We look forward to sharing an update as soon as it’s right to do so,” he said.

This Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX recently took off from the Sunshine Coast and spent the day travelling to Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg. Picture: Nilsson Jones

The airline has three aircraft at its base on the Sunshine Coast — named Shazza, Bazza and Sheila.

“Our initial route network accounts for five aircraft and we’re working towards having eight in our first year of operation, subject to regulatory approval,” Mr Jordan said.

Meanwhile, it can be revealed ordering food for flights will be done by app with no trolleys on board.

The budget airline says its entire menu was sourced domestically and included non-alcoholic beer, banana bread waffles and snag in a bag, to be introduced on all of its planned 27 routes.

There will be no trolleys on-board a Bonza flight. Food will be ordered by app and delivered directly to seat. Picture: supplied/Bonza Airlines

With no trolleys on-board, travellers will have their food delivered directly to their seat after ordering on the Fly Bonza app before they board.

The app is where customers can also book flights, manage their bookings and check-in.

Cabin crew will be assigned seat rows to look after during each flight. Passengers will order and pay through their Fly Bonza app and have food and drinks delivered to their seats.

They will be able to make multiple orders during the flight.

Bonza’s chief commercial officer, Carly Povey said the app-first strategy would be a significant change for customers.

“Our all-Aussie menu is something we are (also) very proud of,” she said.

“Going all Aussie means we are supporting local businesses and their suppliers.”

She said the airline was helping reduce waste and weight on-board through the use of lightweight recyclable material such as plastic wine bottles and drink pouches.