Bonza Airline Discussion

[mrs.dr.ron]

Budget airline announces historic new route

Low-cost airline Bonza has announced a new route, linking Maroochydore and Launceston, as it celebrates one year in the sky. It will be the first direct route between the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania, unlocking tourism opportunities for both locations. Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the new travel...

www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au

Low-cost airline Bonza has announced a new route, linking Maroochydore and Launceston, as it celebrates one year in the sky.
It will be the first direct route between the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania, unlocking tourism opportunities for both locations.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the new travel option would make travel to and from the island state much more efficient.
“We are delighted to connect the Sunny Coast and Launnie with direct low-cost air travel, allowing customers to save time and money by avoiding lengthy road trips or metro city transfers and instead be able to maximise their holiday,” he said via a Bonza media release.
“The route is available to book now via the Fly Bonza app and those who get in quick can secure seats for as little as $49 per person one way as part of our ‘Bonzaversary’ sale that goes until February 5.”
The new service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, with flights from just $89 per person one way.

 

[Saab34]

They have hinted that they will be around 80% OTP for last month which would put them at the top of the ladder. Now let’s see if they can maintain it.

They also told 7News they expect a fourth base, plus ‘9 or 10’ aircraft by the years end. 2 for a new base and 2 for OOL I assume.

I would guess and say the next base will be either CNS or more likely ADL who generally throw cash about, eg Tiger.

Perth would shake the market up a bit. Tough airport to get a good deal it seems. Perth has always been starved from low cost flights especially intra WA, would be interesting to see if that would be viable, but of a test with Mt Isa I guess.

 

[Must...Fly!]

I don't think Perth would work for Bonza as a base but if they get themselves in order, back of the clock flying could but it would probably have to be to an eastern capital.

 

[justinbrett]

They have hinted that they will be around 80% OTP for last month which would put them at the top of the ladder. Now let’s see if they can maintain it.

They also told 7News they expect a fourth base, plus ‘9 or 10’ aircraft by the years end. 2 for a new base and 2 for OOL I assume.

I would guess and say the next base will be either CNS or more likely ADL who generally throw cash about, eg Tiger.

Perth would shake the market up a bit. Tough airport to get a good deal it seems. Perth has always been starved from low cost flights especially intra WA, would be interesting to see if that would be viable, but of a test with Mt Isa I guess.

I think they already hinted strongly that CBR would be the 4th base.

 

[kookaburra75]

I think they already hinted strongly that CBR would be the 4th base.

That would get my vote There's the old Impulse/Qantaslink engineering facilities that can be reused too.

 

[brokenagain]

There's the old Impulse/Qantaslink engineering facilities that can be reused too.

The old QantasLink facilities that are still very much used by QantasLink?

 

[kookaburra75]

The old QantasLink facilities that are still very much used by QantasLink?

Yes - sorry I should have mentioned that.

 

[Harrison_133]

And they have another 50% off sale....

 

[dylarr]

On top of being sceptical about Bonza's ability to actually deliver their schedule, it's still such a PITA to have to use the app to check prices and book flights. I wonder what the cost is for not having a proper website... it seems like just one of many poor commercial decisions. Half the time I just don't even bother.

 

[dajop]

On top of being sceptical about Bonza's ability to actually deliver their schedule, it's still such a PITA to have to use the app to check prices and book flights. I wonder what the cost is for not having a proper website... it seems like just one of many poor commercial decisions. Half the time I just don't even bother.

Quite the contrary, I actually find the app (on ios) quite quick, easy and painless to book flights over ... in fact slightly quicker than booking a Jetstar flight on its website. Took me 30 seconds to get a price for flights on specific route on specific day. Jetstar website 35 sec, so virtually no difference.

And although by rights (by my age) I am getting into grumpy old man territory, and this is something I could very well be grumpy about I'm not quite there yet. Can live with an app for a niche carrier. In fact I find for LCC's, well designed apps are usually superior to websites, last year booking Ryanair flights I got frustrated with the website and switched to the app, much better.

I do get it though ... people prefer websites, and if they want a successful business it is something they should have.

 

[Saab34]

First flight done. Had to use AB due to stupidly priced fares into Melbourne due Tay Tay…thought I’d take the plunge.

Whole experience for a low cost carrier, top notch. Leaves its Orange competitor for dead on service, product and pretty much everything else. In seat power, and the inflight ordering via phone with no carts, especially the latter, is sensational. Love the local touch with the food and bevs. Crew are really really good, perhaps it’s just the lifestyle living on the Sunny Coast. It’s refreshing having people actually happy and friendly in the job.

Rear stairs still not in place at Sunshine Coast, but in place at other non bases which is odd. Disembarking is slow. However, the ‘fattened’ flight times they seem to operate to does help pulling back some time.

Have not been into MCY since 2008. Airport is the pits. Australian infrastructure once again at its worst. Always leaving it until the last minute before starting to invest.

Crew seem to all be experienced ex other operators post the pandemic industry shake up. Was talking to the CM in the rear while waiting for bathroom, Captain was ex Virgin alongside herself, ex Cabin Supervisor from Brisbane. Cabin Manager also said the First Officer was Aussie returning from overseas, left after Ansett and returned 20 years on. She said most crew are from Virgin, Tiger, Alliance, Cathay and a mixed of expats returning. Interesting also she said two QF 737 Pilots came out of retirement and are TRI Captains.

I really hope they can start to nail the poor planning, and start making money. The delays and cancellation risk with such a small fleet, and the ability to get dumped with little recovery will sadly always keep them further down my list. Still no word on the OOL base and I am fairly certain it’s going to end in tears, once again, poor planning.

Will use again but will be only booked within the calendar month or two out, or on routes that are likely not to be chopped.

I think if they can focus a bit on stability and performance over the coming years, then launching into Western Sydney which will be a key market for its success, then they might do ok. Still not convinced at this stage after prior mis steps, might need to beef up the Management ranks a bit.

 

[jb747]

I do get it though ... people prefer websites, and if they want a successful business it is something they should have.

The lack of a web site was the final straw when I looked at them. Yes, I'm a fully fledged gruppy old fella, but that smacks of not even trying. And I'm sick of all the places that want to stick stuff on my phone.

 

[Saab34]

I do agree with JB. They could have a mobile bare bones basic site that could be used on a desktop or mobile. Like a m.bonza.com type platform that just does the basics of booking a flight without all the bells and whistles.

Is a bit off as its Canadian offshoot has a website.

 

[UP4014]

Have not been into MCY since 2008. Airport is the pits. Australian infrastructure once again at its worst. Always leaving it until the last minute before starting to invest.

Bad infrastructure means cheap fees and building/terminal/office leases, excellent for a low cost start up.

 

[Harrison_133]

Still no word on the OOL base and I am fairly certain it’s going to end in tears, once again, poor planning.

Apparently the last day of scheduled ops by Flair is 17th March. What happens after that is anyone's guess...

 

[dajop]

Apparently the last day of scheduled ops by Flair is 17th March. What happens after that is anyone's guess...

 

[p--and--t]

Based on past actions they will lodge an application to extend operations at 5pm on the 16th and go to the media with "beauracracy crippling their operations"

 

[clifford]

Based on past actions they will lodge an application to extend operations at 5pm on the 16th and go to the media with "beauracracy crippling their operations"

Well, that's how business usually operates, isn't it.

 

[Saab34]

Well they have Flair seat maps loaded for the rest of the year. Which would indicate they have just ‘dummy’ loaded them.

 

[HS-TQE]

Jetstar canned a flight out of MCY for MEL today, and the surprise is that AB managed to scramble a crew together to take the spare a/c in MCY to MEL for the "TayTay" concert (and back).

https://www.facebook.com/ABCSunshineCoast/posts/pfbid02y44745Ywdr5bxy6mMXT7t7Hg3C5vV8HP3cwFBaLGFZAb8EV4qzoVhT46u7XKgBrcl