About 20 parties, comprising investors, airlines, and travel companies, are engaged in discussions to salvage Bonza, as disclosed by administrators during the initial creditors' assembly for the beleaguered airline.
Representatives from Hall Chadwick conveyed optimism to attendees on Friday morning, expressing hope for a prospective transaction in the "near future".
It's understood that the airline's liabilities exceed $116 million, encompassing $77 million in loans, $16 million owed to trade creditors, $10.5 million to airports, $4.6 million to aircraft lessors, $5.3 million in employee wages and entitlements, and $58,000 owed to customers for cancelled flights.
Bonza's aircraft "Bruce" departed Australia on Thursday morning following repossession. Customers have been informed that refunds are not currently being processed and are advised to liaise with their bank or insurance provider to recover lost funds.
While flights beyond May 14 haven't been officially cancelled, customers have been cautioned against expecting resumption next week, as the airline lacks access to its existing fleet.
The budget carrier's aircraft leases were terminated on April 29 by lessor AIP Capital, which exercised its right to repossess the planes.
Administrators disclosed that the 737-Max 8 named "Bruce", already abroad, was leased from Canadian airline Flair but the agreement expired in February.
"Bruce" departed from Sunshine Coast Airport on Thursday morning, en route to a refuelling stop in Honolulu before proceeding to its final destination in Calgary.
The remaining four planes — "Bazza", "Shazza", "Sheila", and "Malc", owned by AIP Capital — are anticipated to be relocated overseas for utilisation by other carriers.
Prospects for New Aircraft
Creditors were informed that the company might explore the acquisition of alternative aircraft and recommence operations, though this process could take up to four months.
A statement from Bonza CEO Tim Jordan, expressing sincere apologies for the fallout of the company's collapse, was conveyed at the meeting. Mr Jordan voiced hope for a favourable outcome for the airline's future.
The meeting also revealed that administrators would probe the circumstances surrounding the company's demise and urged creditors to provide any pertinent information.
Employees a 'Top Priority'
Over 300 staff members are now approaching six weeks without pay, having been stood down three days prior to payday and informed they wouldn't receive wages for the entire month of April.
Administrators assured creditors that employee entitlements would be accorded high priority in the event of liquidation.
A subsequent creditors' gathering is slated for the forthcoming weeks, during which a decision regarding the company's future will be put to vote.
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