Bloody Bonza: Everything You Need to Know About Australia’s Brand-New Budget Airline

They’re calling it “the bogan airline”.

For the first time in 15 years, Australia has a new major airline, and it's a budget one.

Like everyone else, we love a cheap flight, so this launch is v welcome news. 

“Bonza” airlines hit the skies officially yesterday as the inaugural flight made its way from their homebase on the Sunshine Coast out to the Whitsunday Coast in Queensland.

It’s been a bit of a process getting airborne, but after finally getting approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in mid-January, Bonza, along with a full plane of guests, soared its wings for the first time.

Who are these guys?

They’ve labelled themselves the “bogan” airline, the purple planes are flying under the motto of “Here for Allstralia”, and they’re leaning into the true-blue vibes in a big way.

The three aircraft Bonza flies have already been given classic Aussie names: Bazza, Shazza and Sheila.

On the maiden flight passengers were given the opportunity to purchase their very own pair of Bonza budgie smugglers.

What’s more, the flight crew were dressed in a laidback, casual fit that’s a fair cry from the prim-and-proper outfits of some other airlines. Instead of flight attendants, they’re affectionately called “team legends”.

Behind the cockpit door, Bonza is financed by the US investment firm 777 Partners, which backs budget airlines around the globe.

“What our first customers will experience onboard is a fresh approach to flying where we keep the bar high on quality, and our costs low,” said Tim Jordan, Bonza’s CEO.

Where can you fly?

Already, over 10,000 seats have been sold to Bonza’s 27 routes and 17 destinations, including routes that aren’t serviced by other budget airways.

Currently, flights are limited to the East Coast, servicing routes between New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, specifically catering to holiday destinations like the Whitsundays, Coffs Harbour and Cairns.

Image: Bonza.

Bonza’s flights start at just $49 bucks, and can be booked solely through the Bonza app.

What do you get on board?

Like any other budget airline, you’re not gonna be flying first class – but, Elias Visontay, The Guardian’s transport and urban affairs reporter, was on board, and reckons the offerings aren’t too bad.

The seats are slightly wider than competitors like Jetstar, and you get an extra kilo of carry-on.

They also boast an in-flight entertainment system, which includes podcasts, guided meditation and e-books (although their library consists of books in the public domain).

Bonza have also rolled out an entirely-Australian menu, highlights of which include banana bread waffles (whatever that means), locally made choccies, ANZAC biscuits and a “snag in a bag”, which Elias said was “a far cry from the ‘sausage sizzle in the sky’” promised.

Overall, early reviews are promising for the fledgling airline, with the low-cost point a highlight for customers, especially as the cost-of-living crisis wages on.

Header image: @flybonza on Instagram.