The administrators of insolvent Australian LCC Bonza (Sunshine Coast) have cancelled all flights through to June 12, 2024, and told the airline's more than 320 employees that they would remain stood down until the same date.
Hall Chadwick said the extension was required to facilitate the final stages of the negotiations with interested parties. This follows the Federal Court of Australia extending the convening period on May 27.
"The Administrators are confident they will have a clear picture of the likely path forward for Bonza in the next two weeks, following further negotiations with interested parties," a May 29 status update reads. "It is the Administrators' intention to provide another update to employees next week regarding the progress of the negotiations and what that means for each employee. The Administrators maintain that the sale process being undertaken is still the best possible option to maximise the return for all stakeholders including employees."
Meanwhile, the final Bonza aircraft is preparing to ferry out of Australia, with VH-UJK (msn 43974) due to depart for Kuala Lumpur Subang in the upcoming days. Bonza had five aircraft in the country when it suspended flights. Lessors ferried out four in the aftermath of the collapse. Any buyer of Bonza will now need to source new aircraft, with the current Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) air operator's certificate only allowing the operator to use B737-8s.
