Bonza’s final boarding call to Australian airports
Engaging with regional airports critical to airline’s plan
With 35 of the 46 regional airports originally invited now indicating they intend to bid for Bonza’s services when the new independent low-cost carrier commences operating in 2022, the airline is reminding those airports yet to respond they only have until November 15 to lodge an expression of interest.
Immediately after this, Bonza will use those bids received to start working through its final network which it intends launching in Q1 next year, subject to regulatory approval.
Engaging with the regional airports is seen as critical to Bonza’s plan.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan is encouraging those airports yet to respond to put their best foot forward now in order to help their region benefit from increased tourism, particularly as the industry embarks on its pandemic recovery.
“Bonza’s entry to the Australian market will bring more travel choices than ever to everyday Aussies and in turn, stimulate demand for regional destinations that have traditionally struggled with perceptions like distance and cost,” he said.
“We are moving at pace to have flights on sale, so we encourage airports to work with us now on finalising our network.”
The airline has announced the leadership team taking the carrier forward when it launches next year.
Chief operating officer, Peter McNally, most recently at ground services provider Swissport, has extensive aviation experience across start up (Virgin Blue) and established operations in Australia, Asia, and UAE.
He will lead all aspects of safety and operations delivery as regulatory post holder for Bonza, in collaboration with the Australian regulator CASA. His remit includes flight and cabin crew, engineering and ground services and operations delivery including on-time performance.
Former Australia Post general manager Carly Povey joins as chief commercial officer bringing with her extensive global low-cost carrier experience across Australia and Europe.
Her experience includes roles with easyJet and Jetstar. In her new position she will be responsible for Bonza’s brand, marketing, communications, and customer channels, commercial partnerships, network and scheduling, product, and pricing.
Most recently at ASX 300 listed company Superloop, Lidia Valenzuela has joined as Chief Financial Officer, managing all aspects of the airline’s financial functions including accounting, forecasting, tax, audit, and the airline’s project management office.
Announcing the line-up, CEO Tim Jordan said the winning recipe to any success story is people.
“It’s absolutely critical we have the right leadership team, who are wholeheartedly committed to making a real difference to travellers and communities in Australia,” said.
“Peter, Carly and Lidia are up for the challenge to do things differently, whilst also creating an environment our people and partners can feel proud to call home.
“I’m delighted to have them onboard.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
