Bonza’s aircraft have been seized by AIP Capital, an investment house owned by the parent of 777 Partners, ACAP, to recoup money owed to investors, sources close to the matter said. 777 Partners originally bought the aircraft and issued long-term leases to Bonza during COVID-19.
AIP confirmed the aircraft had been transferred to a new vehicle, Phoenix Aviation Capital, which is owned by insurance giant ACAP, on April 9.
AIP has since moved to take possession of three Bonza aircraft to send them back to Canada, having already seized one of its 737 Max-8s, named Bruce, earlier this week.
777 Partners is being advised by restructuring firm KordaMentha, which declined to comment. The appointment of KordaMentha was first reported by the Australian Financial Review last week and stridently denied by Bonza.
“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today [Tuesday] as discussions are under way regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” Jordan said in his statement.
“We apologise to customers who are impacted by this, and we’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market.”
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