THE launch of Bonza’s Mildura to Gold Coast route has been delayed as the airline continues to await Australian approval for its aircraft leased from Canada.
The route, which is Bonza’s third in Mildura, was expected to launch this week, after tickets became available in August.
Bonza chief executive officer Tim Jordan said in the short term it planned to use an aircraft leased from partner Flair for the Gold Coast base while it recruited an Aussie crew.
However, this has led to delays in the launch and several cancelled flights.
“This arrangement brings with it a separate regulatory approval process,” he said.
“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/from the Gold Coast including Mildura.
“The new start date for the impacted routes is currently being worked through but we remain very committed to offering a service to regional Australia and deeply apologise for having to make this decision.”
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority said the delay was due to Flair not holding any Australian approvals.
“Bonza needs to demonstrate how they will integrate these Canadian-registered aircraft and crew members into their operation,” it said.
“This is an important part of Australian aviation safety regulations.”
CASA’s safety regulations require that an operator has comprehensive safety systems that cover areas, including crew training and checking, maintenance and emergency procedures.
The organisation did not give an expected approval date, but said it would only grant any approval once the work was completed and assessed.
Mr Jordan said it was Bonza’s priority to inform impacted customers as “efficiently as possible” so that they could make alternative arrangements.
“Customers will be contacted by us in date order, based on their date of travel, and will be automatically offered a full refund,” he said.
“We are acutely aware of the impact this has on our customers and we are very sorry for this.”
Despite this, tickets are still available to be purchased for the Mildura to Gold Coast route on the Bonza app and there are no other direct flight options from Mildura to the Gold Coast.
Holiday goers will have to drive 19 hours or book more expensive in-direct flights to fulfil their holiday plans.
It was reported that approximately 1600 passengers across Bonza’s destinations were impacted by the recent changes.
