Bonza fleet repossessed and all operations suspended

Australian low-fare carrier Bonza appears to be headed for bankruptcy, suspending all operations as its fleet of  737 MAX 8 aircraft has been repossessed by AIP capital.  The company stated today that discussions were underway “regarding the on-going viability of the business.”   Bonza has been in operation only about 15 months, receiving its AOC in January 2023.

Given the repossession, and a filing for administration in Australia, it appears Bonza is joining TigerAir, Air Australia and Ansett as the latest to fail when competing against the Qantas-Virgin Australian domestic duopoly.