Bonza’s takeoff still in doubt as ultra-low budget airline awaits regulator’s approval

Australia’s new ultra-low cost airline has plans to get planes in the sky, but these have been hit by another delay.

Bonza’s takeoff remains in doubt as the low-budget carrier waits for a green light from the national aviation regulator.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says Bonza has revised its schedule and is now working to a mid-October target, but this is subject to “the clarification of several issues”.

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

The independent carrier, which is backed by US private equity firm 777 Partners, was aiming to have planes in the sky from early this year.

The date was pushed back to mid-year and then to September.

But Bonza is still awaiting regulatory approval from CASA after lodging its application for an air operator’s certificate in April.

A CASA spokesman said the approval process was “multifaceted and complex”.

Bonza’s takeoff date has been pushed back again.

“It involves a specialised team that is carefully reviewing processes and documents to ensure Bonza meets the aviation safety standards expected by Australian travellers,” he said.

“The evaluation includes areas such as the airline’s operations manuals, maintenance procedures, safety systems as well as pilot and crew training.

“Feedback has been provided to Bonza, and the CASA and Bonza teams continue to work through the application process.”

CASA didn’t elaborate on what feedback it had provided to Bonza or what issues the fledgling carrier needed to clarify.

Bonza's first 737 MAX in Australia touched down at Sunshine Coast airport earlier this year. Picture: Lachie Millard

Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the airline “fully respected the regulatory process”.

“They do incredibly important work, regulating aviation in Australia and we respect the process we’re working through with them,” Ms Povey said.

“It is wrong of us to comment on when that process will be completed.

“We will continue to update Aussie travellers, as we previously have, as soon as we have more updates on all things Bonza.”

Bonza’s flight network will cover 17 destinations including Mildura, Rockhampton, Tamworth and Coffs Harbour. It will be headquartered on the Sunshine Coast.

Bonza has acquired its first Boeing 737 Max 8, which it has dubbed “Shazza”, with a second aircraft due to be delivered shortly.

Boeing pulled its 737 Max 8 aircraft after its system malfunctions resulted in two crashes and 346 deaths. The aircraft was grounded worldwide until November 2020, when it passed a number of safety checks.