Bonza Airline Discussion

[Harrison_133]

Qantas are taking a bit of a swipe at Bonza, introducing the Alliance E190s on Brisbane to Albury at the beginning of April.

On another note, I just did two more Flonza flights. Early arrivals on both, probably made easy by all the empty seats. My AVV-OOL flight had around 65 passengers, the aircraft's next sector to PPP about 55. My return OOL-MEL flight had around 90, with 45 or so going back the other way. Meanwhile, things were busy over at JQ and VA. I've done a few Flonza flights now, and it's been the same story every time.

Looks like the Flair crew couldn’t operate the Isa run today so they are Bonza-ing-it MCY-OOL-ISA.

FLHI was still sitting parked up at OOL today. OOL-MQL got cancelled and Bonza operated OOL-ROK/ABX almost 4 hours late.

 

[Saab34]

I think they would be seeing a bit of cannibalisation between both MCY/OOL bases operating fairly similar routes together.

I think they would see a boost in numbers if they got a website.

Avalon-Gold Coast is a stupid choice, it’s already a ‘secondary’ thin route served by another player, let alone someone else. No doubt lured by a cheap deal from Avalon, which is completely pointless if you’re burning cash going in empty.

 

[MooTime]

.

Avalon-Gold Coast is a stupid choice, it’s already a ‘secondary’ thin route served by another player, let alone someone else. No doubt lured by a cheap deal from Avalon, which is completely pointless if you’re burning cash going in empty.

IMO the Avalon to somewhere has huge potential. Gold coast is very enticing to Southern Vic's, airways has been. Maybe the we got great beeches here, why go north to other beaches theory is little relevant.

Geelong, Bellarine, surf coast and beyond is a massive catchment, just needs to be marketed well.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Well, my FNQ brother has finally been "Bonza'd."
Flew from Mackay to Sunny Coast for a medical appointment Thursday - all good.
Gets to airport yesterday afternoon, returns rental car, minutes later a text, flight delayed.
An hour later flight cancelled.
Rebooked for this morning.
Rental guy gave him back the car, fortunately can bunk overnight with his son living not far from the airport.
Others weren't as lucky and had to stump up for accommodation.

He did say Bonza staff were excellent to deal with at the airport.
He is now home, and set to fly Bonza MKY - OOL on Wednesday for family reunion

 

[Saab34]

IMO the Avalon to somewhere has huge potential. Gold coast is very enticing to Southern Vic's, airways has been. Maybe the we got great beeches here, why go north to other beaches theory is little relevant.

Geelong, Bellarine, surf coast and beyond is a massive catchment, just needs to be marketed well.

The issue for Avalon historically, is people still just drive past it to Tullamarine. Tiger tried many routes from Avalon, Jetstar as done others and it just doesn’t seem to work. The catchment in the area is fairly large, but people just don’t use it.

I do think Avalon-Cairns, Proserpine in peak season would work. Look away from the likes of OOL which are already serviced and seek out new opportunities. Perth would likely be a good option also.

 

[MooTime]

The issue for Avalon historically, is people still just drive past it to Tullamarine. Tiger tried many routes from Avalon, Jetstar as done others and it just doesn’t seem to work. The catchment in the area is fairly large, but people just don’t use it.

I do think Avalon-Cairns, Proserpine in peak season would work. Look away from the likes of OOL which are already serviced and seek out new opportunities. Perth would likely be a good option also.

There's just so few options from there. Especially in recent times.
Fair to say nobody really knows who or what flies from there these days.

 

[Saab34]

Another site indicated the Flair aircraft will move onto the Bonza AOC next Friday, One to return to Canada for an engineering check for a month.

Which does leave them short an aircraft however that might be the ‘spare’ which will be used.

 

[Harrison_133]

The Bonza network is turning into a bit of a mess again, with one of the Flair aircraft being out of service since Friday due to maintenance requirements.

The other Flair aircraft was also temporarily taken out of service this morning because of maintenance, causing the OOL-TSV service to be cancelled after a 4 hour delay. OOL-CNS has also been cancelled two days in a row.

That 'spare' up at MCY isn't really being used apart from the Albury flights.

 

[dajop]

The issue for Avalon historically, is people still just drive past it to Tullamarine. Tiger tried many routes from Avalon, Jetstar as done others and it just doesn’t seem to work. The catchment in the area is fairly large, but people just don’t use it.

I personally think it should be rebranded as Geelong International Airport, or Geelong/Surf Coast International Airport. And why not just use the IATA code GEX.

 

[Saab34]

Would appear OOL-Gladstone and Bundaberg have been removed. No surprises there.

 

[henrus]

Bundaberg

Faster to drive OOL-BDB after the delays/cancellations.

 

[Saab34]

Faster to drive OOL-BDB after the delays/cancellations.

Even without delay it’s still not productive. Say an hour to airport, 2 hours checking prior, flight itself 60mins, 30 mins baggage/exit airport gate. 4-5hr total transit for most.

It’s only a 5 hour drive. Stop half way for lunch on a sunny beach.

Certainly not a route you would ever pull some chunky yield from, which is the aim at the end of the day, to make money?

 

[dajop]

The sales are never ending.

30% off flights sales now on, all destinations 1-19 June, 16 Jul-12 Sep, 7-26 Oct with promo code BONZA30.

 

[jb747]

I just don't get the lack of a web site. Perhaps it's all a scam to sell your tracking data from the app!

 

[Harrison_133]

The sales are never ending.

They quite literally are never ending. Trawling through my emails from Bonza, so far in 2024 we've had:

• 03JAN - 07JAN: $59 Gold Coast routes
• 08JAN - 11JAN: 50% off
• 11JAN - 15JAN: 50% off extended
• 16JAN - 26JAN: specific routes on sale
• 27JAN - 31JAN: $49 sale
• 01FEB - 07FEB: $49 sale extended
• 08FEB - 14FEB: 50% off
• 15FEB - 19FEB: Rockhampton sale
• 20FEB - 26FEB: 20% off
• 27FEB - 04MAR: 30% off

 

[MooTime]

They quite literally are never ending. Trawling through my emails from Bonza, so far in 2024 we've had:

• 03JAN - 07JAN: $59 Gold Coast routes
• 08JAN - 11JAN: 50% off
• 11JAN - 15JAN: 50% off extended
• 16JAN - 26JAN: specific routes on sale
• 27JAN - 31JAN: $49 sale
• 01FEB - 07FEB: $49 sale extended
• 08FEB - 14FEB: 50% off
• 15FEB - 19FEB: Rockhampton sale
• 20FEB - 26FEB: 20% off
• 27FEB - 04MAR: 30% off

A shorter list would be the
'not on sale windows'

 

[clifford]

I just don't get the lack of a web site. Perhaps it's all a scam to sell your tracking data from the app!

Also, apps are harder to use for older people, those with less than perfect eyesight, and those with fat fingers, etc, so more opportunities to make mistakes and hence more cash to Bonza.

Couldn't happen, could it. Ask UBank...

 

[FruitySnack]

Confirmed that both Flair Aircraft will become VH registered and operate from OOL with Bonza crew, going forwards. Great news! Exclusive: Bonza’s Flair planes will stay in Australia under dry lease

 

[Harrison_133]

Confirmed that both Flair Aircraft will become VH registered and operate from OOL with Bonza crew, going forwards. Great news! Exclusive: Bonza’s Flair planes will stay in Australia under dry lease

One aircraft will return to Flair for Canada's peak summer season before returning to Australia. That will leave Bonza with no spare aircraft again.

 

[Harrison_133]

The Flair crew finish up today.

Nauru will also be operating some Bonza services while one of the Flair aircraft is back in Canada for the summer.