TRAVLLERS affected by Bonza’s collapse will be left out of pocket for the time being after administrators confirmed they would not be issuing refunds.
The budget airline went into voluntary administration earlier this week, grounding services across the country, including to and from Mildura.
Multiple media outlets reported that Bonza’s Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft had been repossessed by AIP Capital, which had been 51 per cent owners of planes.
A statement from administrators Hall Chadwick, released late Wednesday afternoon, said staff had met with the company’s chief financial officer to go through Bonza’s financial position with “a view to updating creditors of that position in due course”.
But this meant leaving passengers without reimbursement for the time being.
“Unfortunately, the administrators and/or the company are not in a position to process or issue refunds at this time,” the statement said.
“We understand how frustrating this is and we appreciate customers patience at this time.”
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Federal Minister for Transport Catherine King said she was doubtful there would be Bonza planes in the skies anytime soon.
“We’ve been speaking to the administrators overnight, they’re trying to get the airline back up and running,” she said. “It’s unlikely that will happen.”
Both Qantas and Virgin have stepped in to help stranded Bonza customers, offering support in helping people get to their destinations.
The Government also set up a dedicated hotline for stranded Bonza customers, on 1800 069 244.
