Bonza in for long-haul with four-year football shirt deal

The airline said it was the biggest principal partnership deal in the club’s history, and will also see its branding featured in stadiums and on its website.

It comes as Bonza appears to have missed its loose deadline to launch in September, as it awaits its crucial Air Operators Certificate necessary for it to begin operations.

Bonza Chief Commercial Officer, Carly Povey said, “Melbourne is the only capital city on our initial route map, and with a big population, we know partnering with Melbourne Victory is a great way to engage with the community here and across Victoria.”

When Bonza does begin commercial operations, it will fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure routes not serviced by the capital city-focused Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex.

Bonza said 93 per cent of its network — 25 out of its 27 routes — are not currently flown by any other airline, while 96 per cent are not served by any other low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to cost around $50 for each hour of the flight.

Australian Aviation last month published exclusive photos that showed two more of its 737 MAXs were being painted in its purple livery at the Victorville desert ‘boneyard’.

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Eagle-eyed photographer Nic Hope captured the images from the storage facility, which included a two-year-old narrow-body registered as SP-LVN.

The aircraft appeared to be originally operated by LOT Polish Airlines, which also ran Bonza’s first 737, UJT. It’s aiming for an initial fleet of eight aircraft. 

It came days after Australian Aviation also revealed how Bonza had quietly registered a second MAX, VH-UIK, with CASA, after it first touched down in Australia in early August.

However, its launch can’t happen until it formally acquires its Air Operators Certificate, which it is still yet to wrap up.

In May, Bonza hired Virgin Australia’s former GM of operations planning to lead those negotiations with CASA.

Michael Young has more than 35 years of aviation experience, including senior roles at Jetstar Japan, SaudiGulf Airlines, and most recently, as the CEO of Tasman Cargo. It followed the exit of former COO Peter McNally in March.

Bonza said Young’s remit would also include flight and cabin crew, engineering, ground services, and on-time performance.

He’ll also be helping lead the recruitment of 200 cabin crew and pilots, ready for launch.

The appointment of a big hitter will be seen as a coup, given his six years in a similar position at Virgin and Tiger.

Destinations on Bonza’s initial route map include Melbourne, Avalon, Sunshine Coast, Mildura, Albury, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, Whitsunday Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone, and Toowoomba.