Six months after it hoped to launch, budget airline Bonza is yet to take off as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) awaits documents.
Bonza is still navigating regulatory approvals with CASA in order to obtain its Air Operator’s Certificate after several delays throughout the year staggered the airline’s launch.
A CASA spokesperson said the authority was working closely with Bonza on its application, but the key documents were still needed before the process could be completed.
“CASA will be able to make a final decision once all documentation has been received and assessed and a proving flight completed,” the spokesperson said.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said he was unsure exactly when the airline would take off but was certain demand will be high when it does.
“This is the first new high-capacity airline in Australia for 15 years, and obviously the process associated with signing that off is quite thorough,” Jordan told the ABC.
“Once we believe we are ready, we will reach out to the regulator and ask for them to come and make sure that is absolutely the case.”
Travel Weekly awaits comment from Bonza on the issue.
Bonza has already announced its agent portal, with agents being the only non-direct way to book with the airline as it takes its app-first approach.
The airline also recently welcomed its third aircraft, Sheila – a Boeing 737-MAX which will join its fellow Bonza planes Bazza and Shazza.
