Summary
- Bonza’s expanding fleet invites fans to assist name latest planes, with Bruce being the most recent iconic Aussie moniker.
- CEO Tim Jordan publicizes plans for more fleet expansion and potential latest operating bases to hitch the prevailing three.
- Bonza partners with AFI KLM E&M to offer essential maintenance support for growing Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
With its growing network of 38 routes and 21 destinations, Australia’s newest domestic airline, Bonza, is adding two more aircraft to its fleet. As is its way, Bonza has called on its legion of fans on social media to suggest names for the brand new planes, although one has already been named in honor of Australia’s women’s soccer team and its performances finally 12 months’s World Cup.
No shortage of Aussie nicknames
With its diverse population of near 27 million, there isn’t a shortage of potential nicknames for the Bonza fans to select from. Australians love their slang, and the successful alternative for the sixth Boeing 737 MAX 8 is certainly one of the nation’s most iconic and loved monikers, Bruce.
Photo: Bonza
After reaching the World Cup semi-finals last 12 months, the Australian women’s soccer team, referred to as the Matildas, captured the nation’s heart. In August last 12 months, Bonza named its fifth aircraft Matilda, adding to the prevailing family of Bazza, Shazza, Sheila and Malc, with Bruce set to hitch soon.
Yesterday, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said there couldn’t be a more suitable name for the airline’s latest aircraft because every Aussie knows a Bruce and Bonza may be very proud to have its own Bruce join the fleet. He added:
“Like his companions, our purple army of fans on social media helped name the aircraft, with Bruce being one of the crucial requested names we have had. The name is apt because we’re also encouraging Aussies to get off the Bruce Highway and onto Bonza’s Bruce with some great deals available inside Bonza’s network of 21 destinations.”
Photo: Bonza
Bonza is pushing ahead with its expansion plans and expects to verify a fourth operating base to hitch the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne Tullamarine and the Gold Coast later this 12 months. The low-cost carrier also plans on as much as ten aircraft rounding out the fleet this 12 months, with Jordan saying he may have more to say on future fleet expansion “when the time is correct.”
The growing fleet needs MRO support
This week, Bonza also announced it had signed an agreement with AFI KLM Engineering and Maintenance to offer component support for the airline’s growing fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The support package covers a broad scope tailored to Bonza’s needs, including repair services, pool access and the availability of a Most important Base Kit (MBK), in addition to logistical and AOG (aircraft on ground) support for airframe and GE LEAP-1B engine line replaceable units.
Photo: Michael Doran I Easy Flying
The support program will likely be managed and delivered from AFI KLM E&M’s logistics and distribution centers in Amsterdam, Miami and Kuala Lumpur. AFI KLM E&M isn’t any stranger to Asia Pacifc & Oceania and already supports several airlines with local infrastructure, notably in Kuala Lumpur and with customer support teams already present in Australia.
With a smaller fleet, Bonza relies heavily on keeping its 737 MAXs operating, and because it adds more aircraft, maintenance support becomes much more critical. On that time, Jordan said:
“AFI KLM E&M’s equipment solutions, including the pool access program, are a response to this requirement, and we’re confident that their know-how and global experience of the 737 product will likely be invaluable in delivering smooth operations for our fleet.”
AFI KLM E&M is bringing significant resources to the service of Bonza, with greater than 12,800 people already offering comprehensive technical support for airlines, starting from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and fan thrust reverser support. It also manages, repairs and supplies aircraft components and supports almost 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 international and domestic airlines globally.