Australians lose it over nickname for Bonza’s new plane

A new budget airline asked Aussies to come up with a nickname for its first Boeing 737 Max – and it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this.

An Australian airline start-up is set to launch in October and the name of its first Boeing 737 Max couldn’t get any more Aussie.

Bonza — the country’s only independent low-cost airline — will soon take to the skies with “Shazza”, the name given to its first aircraft, which recently touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport.

Earlier this month, the airline called on Aussies for help in choosing a nickname for the aircraft and of course, it was flooded with suggestions.

Some suggested “Sunny”, short for Sunshine Coast, “Purple Rippa”, “Sunny Boy”, in reference to the popular ice blocks. There was also “Digger”, a nod to the strength and determination of the Australian spirit.

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Please welcome … Picture: Bonza/Facebook

“Steve” was also suggested in memory of Sunshine Coast legend Steve Irwin.

But there could only be one winner with Shazza receiving the most likes.

“Aussies sure love a nickname and you gave us loads of suggestions when we asked for your help to name the plane,” a Facebook post from Bonza read on Wednesday.

“So today, we’re excited to announce our brand new purple beauty’s name is … Shazza!

“It doesn’t get anymore Aussie than that.”

No, it really doesn’t.

The airline’s social media was bombarded with hundreds of comments from Aussies praising the nickname.

“Love it! Can’t wait to fly on Shazza! Yes let’s get Magda Szubanski at the launch!!!” one person suggested referring to the actor’s character Sharon in the hit comedy Kath & Kim.

Shazza. The nickname given to new low-budget airline Bonza’s first aircraft. Picture: Bonza/Facebook

“Love it. Especially since it’s my name,” a woman by the name of Sharon wrote.

“Do we all get a free flight, as naming rights?” asked another Sharon.

“Kazza loves the name Shazza,” wrote a Karen.

But not everyone was a fan.

“Please no, this country is already bogan enough without encouraging it!” one person wrote.

“For all those who mock the name I’m sure you will be happy to fly with them if their airfares are half what the others charge,” added another.

The name will be imprinted onto the first Boeing 737 MAX in Bonza’s fleet, registered as VH-UJT.

LOT Polish Airlines was originally set to adopt the aircraft, but it never did. Instead, the estimated three-year-old aircraft was delivered to Bonza last month, according to aviation news site Simple Flying.

Bonza is will be the first low-cost carrier launched after the failure of Tiger Airways Australia, serving secondary or regional airports.

It will focus on under-utilised leisure market routes not overly dominated by competitors, offering ultra-low airfares, without exclusive features such as frequent flyer programs and lounge access to differentiate itself from other carriers further.

Bonza is hoping to start flying in October this year.

By offering similar fares to that of Jetstar, the launch of Bonza might do well to disrupt the domestic air travel situation within the country, according to Simple Flying.

Late last year, Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said he expects to typically charge $50 for a bare-bones seat on a short route such as Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour and between $75 and $100 for longer runs such as Melbourne to Sunshine Coast.

Finder travel expert Angus Kidman told news.com.au he expects when Bonza takes to the skies later this year, it will offer a launch sale featuring loads of routes for $99 or less for one-way tickets.

“Getting under $100 is good sales psychology,” Mr Kidman said.

“And it might go way lower just to attract attention with a handful of sub-$40 seats, but I absolutely don’t expect that those fares will be the long-term norm.”

Mr Kidman said he expects Qantas to launch more sales of its own (both for itself and Jetstar) to counter any “Bonza effect”.

“I also expect it to keep expanding into even more regional airports,” he said.

Qantas has added 52 regional routes since the pandemic started, with Broken Hill the most recent addition.

“Competition is great, and I’ll definitely be sampling some of the cheaper and more unusual Bonza routes at launch. But I’ll be OK paying $99 more often than $19,” he said.

The new low-cost airline will offer 8kg free carry-on, which is a little more generous than rival Jetstar’s 7kg, but you will need to cough up more for baggage and to pick a seat.

“Plus Bonza is operating a maximum of five flights a week between any destination pair, so it won’t appeal to business passengers wanting a quick work trip. It also isn’t flying any services yet to Sydney, Australia’s largest city,” Mr Kidman said.

The Sunshine Coast, a popular tourist hotspot with the coastal towns of Noosa and Mooloolaba nearby, will account for 12 of Bonza’s first 25 routes while Melbourne Airport will have eight routes.