Bonza Airline Discussion

[Saab34]

IMHO they should have just stuck with MCY, and focused growth more on Melbourne.

They even only recently started about a fourth base, they just don’t seem to get it, trying to do waaaaaay too much.

Well sadly it seems it will be the death of them.

 

[Harrison_133]

A few tidbits from an article about the Gold Coast cuts in the ABC today:

The airline said this was strictly due to a lack of demand.
She said fewer services between Gold Coast and Melbourne would "right size" the supply and demand on the route.

Once a week is "right sizing" the Gold Coast to Melbourne route? Surely not...

The airline said any customer affected by the changing services would be moved to an alternative flight, or receive a credit for the value of their ticket.

A full refund would also be available.

Reading some posts on the 'Scum of the Air' Facebook page mentioned above, it seems some people who are affected by the days of operation changes aren't actually being given a refund – just a Bonza travel credit.

One poster even had their Gold Coast-Rockhampton flight switched to a Mackay-Sunshine Coast.

The airline confirmed it was adding another flight between the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne, bringing it up to five services a week.

This had been planned well in advance of the current issues and came at the expense of a weekly flight each on the MCY-MKY & MCY-AVV routes.

The spokeswoman said more planes would join its four-aircraft fleet "imminently".

They've been imminent since November...

Source: Bonza confirms changes to Queensland flight schedules but denies reports of engaging financial advisory firm

 

[Saab34]

Tick tock

 

[ThatMrBlake]

Courier mail now picking up on the Bonza bus.

Bonza shocker: Bizarre flight change leaves passenger 150km from hotel — Courier Mail

A Gold Coast traveller has been left $700 out of pocket after Bonza changed its arrival airport to one more than 150km from his planned destination just days before the scheduled departure.

apple.news

 

[Blackadder]

Compass Mark I & II ,etc coming up.

 

[eastwest101]

IMHO Good idea. Very poor execution. Routes like MEL-BDB, ABX-MCY, and even MQL-MCY (before they added MQL-OOL) seemed to be doing well, but two or three strong routes does not make a strong airline

I agree with your opinion but the execution was too late to steal recently laid off VA JQ & QF staff, could have secured leased aircraft at lower rates, stuck to one or two bases, a web site from day 1. Good idea ruined by poor execution.

Like Tiger, now their reputation is in the toilet they have burnt all the goodwill of opening up new markets so will struggle to get any forward bookings.

 

[lovestotravel]

Was always going to fail

 

[Saab34]

Agree the reputation is stuffed. Not helpful when your target passenger resides in small communities, you can’t get these people offside as they are key to making these marginal routes even remotely work.

No idea where this heads next. Talks about trying to find a buyer. I struggle to see how one could successfully market this to someone. Didn’t Singapore sell Tiger to Virgin for $1?