Jetstar swoops as Bonza fails to launch

JETSTAR Airlines has come to the rescue of stranded Bonza passengers as the new discount airline failed to launch its new Gold Coast service from Avalon.

Bonza announced its plans to fly between Avalon and the Gold Coast earlier this year.

However, last week all flights on the route were cancelled, with passengers told aircraft unavailability caused the issue.

Jetstar seized the opportunity and has placed a prominent travel alert on their website offering a special deal for those impacted by the Bonza cancellations.

“For passengers who were booked to travel on a Bonza flight between the Gold Coast and Avalon until 31 December 2023, and have received notification their Bonza flight has been cancelled, Jetstar is offering fares for $117 one way for travel on the route from today until 31 December 2023,” the alert states.

The Jetstar deal requires passengers to pay extra for checked baggage.

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan pointed to a range of issues that resulted in the delayed launch.

“As we’ve previously shared, in the short term we will use an aircraft leased from our partner Flair at our Gold Coast base whilst we recruit Aussie crew for this third base,” he said.

“This arrangement brings with it a separate regulatory approval process. That process is progressing but is not yet complete and, as a result, we’ve had to make the regrettable decision to defer some routes to and from the Gold Coast including Melbourne Avalon.”

“The new start date for the impacted routes is currently being worked through but we remain very committed to offering a service to the Melbourne Avalon market and deeply apologise for having to make this decision.”

Mr Jordan said at this point the company’s priority was to inform impacted customers as efficiently as possible so that they can make alternative arrangements.

“We are acutely aware of the impact this has on our customers and we are very sorry for this,” he said.

– ANGUS SMITH