Jake Nelson

According to data from YouGov’s BrandIndex survey, most Australians have heard of the suspension of Bonza services, with perceptions of the embattled airline taking a sharp nosedive after it abruptly suspended all flights at the end of April.

Current assets, including cash on hand and inventory, have not been factored into the calculations as Air Vanuatu’s available financial information is “significantly out of date,” according to liquidator Ernst & Young.

The government will pour $302.6 million over five years, as well as $53.5 million per year ongoing, into Western Sydney Airport, plus $102 million into upgrading regional airports and remote airstrips and $7.5 million into aviation safety measures.

On average, Bonza’s 186-seat 737 MAX 8s were seeing more than 130 customers per flight at its Sunshine Coast, Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Gold Coast bases since commencing services in January last year, a source with knowledge of the situation told Australian Aviation.

Flights will not resume before 29 May, administrator Hall Chadwick said, and staff will remain stood down until that time as talks continue with “interested parties” who could potentially save the embattled airline. Expressions of interest are open until Thursday.

James Goodwin, chief executive of the Australian Airports Association (AAA), told Australian Aviation the association understands Bonza owes “at least $10 million in unpaid aeronautical and terminal charges”.