Australian Aviation

Speaking to media, the minister advised stranded Bonza customers to contact her office on 1800 069 244, with the hotline expected to be operational until 10pm on Tuesday night. Qantas, Virgin and Rex have all offered assistance to affected passengers.

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia advised Bonza customers who were due to travel on Tuesday to contact them to book these seats. The news comes after Bonza suspended all flights for the day due to discussions about the low-cost carrier’s viability.

Pointing to “stranded passengers and jobs on the line”, the union says it is looking to make sure Bonza’s workers are looked after as the carrier suspends flights while discussions occur over the viability of the business, and has reiterated its calls for more regulation of the aviation sector.

Avia Solutions Group (ASG), which purchased Skytrans in March, intends to fly mainly A319 jets under wet lease using Skytrans’ AOC with room for A320s and A321s depending on demand, alongside maintaining the existing regional turboprop network for regular passenger transport.

In a brief statement, CEO Tim Jordan said the suspension is temporary as talks are underway.

South African Airways flight SA280 touched down in Perth shortly before 1pm local time on Monday aboard the A340-300 ZS-SXF. The route will initially operate three times per week using 253-seater A340-300 aircraft, with Perth Airport hoping for an eventual daily service.