‘We’re not about prodding the other guys’ says Bonza CEO

In his first in-depth interview since Bonza gained its licence to fly, CEO Tim Jordan talks proving rivals wrong, keeping airfares low and changing up networks

On 31 January, Bonza finally launched its first service between the Sunshine Coast and the Whitsundays. The airline had intended to begin flying last winter but waited far longer than expected to receive its crucial licence to fly from CASA, which came through earlier this this year.

The big question is whether Bonza will work. The carrier is the first in Australia to attempt to fly so-called ‘point-to-point’ leisure services that skip out major cities and allow consumers to fly direct from holiday destination to holiday destination. It’s said 93 per cent of its final network — 25 out of its 27 routes — are not currently flown by any other airline. It will also become the first Australian carrier to operate the controversial, but incredibly fuel-efficient, 737 MAX.