Bonza, a small budget airline in Australia, suspended its flights on Tuesday without notice as it searches for a way out of its financial crisis.
The company entered the administration process and is now managed by the consultancy Hall Chadwick, which has the task of making its return to operation viable or not.
With just four Boeing 737 MAX 8s, Bonza operated mainly from the Gold Coast and Melbourne on routes that did not compete with Qantas and Virgin Australia, the country’s largest airlines.
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It was founded in October 2021 and started flights in January last year. Its main shareholder is 777 Partners, from the United States.
“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today (Tuesday 30th April), discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” reads a message on its website.
Aircraft returned to the lessor
According to Reuters, AIP Capital, the lessor of the four 737-8s, repossessed the aircraft in the early hours of Tuesday.
Media reports claim that 777 Partners has been targeted by regulators in the US and creditors of the investment group, which is said to be trying to close the purchase of English football team Everton.
Qantas and Virgin Australia have stated that they will attempt to reaccommodate Bonza passengers.
