New low-cost airline ‘Bonza’ preparing for takeoff in early 2022

A new budget airline is preparing to launch in Australia, in a move that could make travel cheaper for travel-hungry customers.

Australians keen for post-pandemic travel might not have to pay sky-high costs, with a new budget airline preparing for takeoff.

Low-cost carrier Bonza has pencilled in an early 2022 launch, laying down the gauntlet for the likes of Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia for travel-hungry customers as the nation emerges from isolation.

Backed by Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners, Bonza hopes to enter the space vacated by the closure of Virgin-owned Tigerair Australia last year and become the nation’s budget carrier of choice.

For now, the firm will be flying within Australia only, but is currently in discussions with more than 40 airports to gauge preliminary interest.

And there’s good news for those living outside the east coast triangle of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Bonza says it plans to fly all-economy Boeing 737-8 MAX jets across a network of regional destinations at low cost, meaning a reunion with family and friends might not have to be organised via the capitals.

Chief executive Tim Jordan said he was excited to bring Australia a new independent airline and – pending regulatory approval – start bringing people together again.

“Bonza will deliver enormous benefits to all Australians, but particularly to regional communities by providing new routes and greater travel opportunities,” he said.

“Bonza will also play a leading role in Australia‘s post-pandemic economic recovery – creating jobs, stimulating travel and consumer spending and helping regional communities, especially those that rely on tourism, get back on their feet.”

For now, the firm will be flying within Australia only, but is currently in discussions with more than 40 airports to gauge preliminary interest.